For Myrtle Trace seasonal residents who live here only a few months each year, for lessees, or for year-round residents who plan to be away for an extended period of time, we offer the following suggestions.

Newspapers: If you receive a local newspaper, stop delivery before departure to avoid obvious indications of your absence. Venice Herald-Tribune – call 486-3000. The Gondolier Sun – call 207-1000

Mail: To stop, transfer or hold mail delivery call 485-0995. You can also do this online at www.usps.com Leave a change of address card with your mail carrier.

Trash and recyclables: Contact a neighbor to assist you in putting refuse out on the next Thursday evening.

Turn off the water main. The valve is usually located outside next to your air conditioner compressor.

Grind 6-8 ice cubes in your garbage disposal to ensure it is clean. Place a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil in the disposal and run for a split second. This will lubricate the moving parts until you return.

Close all sink drains. Insects are attracted to moist areas, such as water retained in the p-traps below sinks and showers.

Clean out any food residue from inside the dishwasher. Leave the door open for ventilation.

Unplug your TV at the wall outlet and disconnect the cable. Disconnect electrical appliances. Leave ceiling fans off because of the risk of electrical hazard.

Switch off your water heater at the circuit breaker.

Turn off all inside and outside lights, at the switch, NOT at the circuit breakers.

Clean or replace the air conditioner filter to reduce mildew and other mold spores.

Replace wire hangers with plastic hangers. Leave closet doors partially open to allow ventilation.

Remove all perishable items from your refrigerator. You may leave the refrigerator “on”, but on the low setting, or remove all items, unplug it and leave the door slightly ajar.

Store dry goods such as flour and sugar in tightly sealed containers.

Turn off the water to the toilet. The shut-off valve is located below the tank at the wall.

Set your air-conditioning thermostat at 78-82 degrees to prevent mildew. Set the Fan to “Automatic” position.

Bring indoors all lanai furniture, potted plants, trash containers, grills, etc.

Direct sunlight damages interior finishes, artwork, and rugs. When leaving for a period of time lock windows and close draperies or window coverings.

Check all doors to ensure they are locked.

Remove the “emergency key” that you may have hidden outside your unit.

Make arrangements with Lighthouse if you wish to have anyone enter your residence in your absence, i.e., package delivery, contractors, maintenance workers, etc.

Notify local law enforcement personnel of your departure and return dates. It may help them keep an eye on your property while you’re away.

Notify Lighthouse Property Management if you plan to have guests occupy your residence while you are away.

Arrange to have someone check your residence at least weekly for potential problems. Give the name of this house watcher to Lighthouse.

Make arrangements to have someone install and remove your storm shutters in the event of severe weather.

NOTE: For ALL maintenance and condominium technical problems call Lighthouse Management at 941-966-6844. Examples of problems might be broken sprinklers, roof leaks, water pipe leaks, lawn care, garage door malfuntions, and lockouts.