If you are preparing to leave school for the winter break, you should take the time to make sure that your apartment, condo or house is secure from disaster. Just a little preparation before your departure can help ensure that you will not return to a catastrophe. Here are some guidelines which can reduce your worries over your holiday break.

• Stop delivery of your newspaper.

• NEVER turn your heat completely off. Always make sure that your thermostat is set 15 to 20 degrees above freezing. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing during your absence. Frozen pipes crack and will flood your apartment. Even the southern regions of the United States have been know to have extreme cold during December and January.

• If you have access to your hot water heater, turn it to the “vacation setting” or lower the temperature but do not turn it off.

• You may want to leave one lamp on a timer to deter burglars.

• If you have outside faucets, turn them off from the inside and drain the pipes.

• If you have a monitored alarm system, inform the police or your alarm company of your travel plans.

• It is always wise to let either your landlord or a close friend know that you will be away and how to get in touch with you.

• Have your post office hold your mail.

• Ask a neighbor or friend to make sure that solicitors do not leave flyers or door hangers on your doorstep or doorknob.

• Unplug your computer and large appliances.

• Check to make sure that your stove is turned off.

• But most importantly lock all your doors and windows.

Just a little thought before you depart can give you a worry free holiday and no surprised upon your return.