Leaving Town? / SnowBird Advice

For those owners that travel north for the summer, or plan an extended vacation, here are a few tips to follow when closing up your home: -- 

There is always a concern of mold & mildew inside your home.  The temperature control is not important for comfort, but it is important relative to controlling humidity.  GG A/C contractor recommends leaving your A/C thermostat set between 80° - 82° when the house is vacant.  If you have a humidistat follow the manufacturer's directions.    -- 

If you cover your interior furniture, always use breathable fabric, never plastic.    -- 

Take all of your patio furniture in, that would include any wall hangings that are exposed to the elements & your grill. -- 

Remove any exterior potted plants, as well as your trash & recycle containers. -- 

If you've planted annuals or flowers, please remove them as they will not survive through the summer heat or possible drought & will therefore become an eyesore. 

 Shut your water off & take in your hose & hose cart. -- 

Install your hurricane shutters.  If your hurricane shutters are in compliance with the GG guidelines, they can be left up all summer.  Unpainted galvanized panels or any wood panels are not permitted for long term use.  

 Did you know that IRC Sheriff’s office offers a service of driving to your home when you are away and check to see that things look in order, you can call them and request the service?  772 569-6700  If anything looks out of place or suspicious, they will call you back to let you know and will look into it to verify things are safe in your home. And guess what? It is free of charge.  

See also hurricane preparations