We are fortunate to have two Board members Arnie Harris and Bill Cole who are here most of the year. Manny Lima and Jenny Wilson will also be here throughout the year and will join our two board members in overseeing any problems with severe weather conditions or emergencies. There are presently twelve households that have permanent residents during the summer/fall season. The rest are scattered up North. If any of you live alone during the off season and you wish someone to check on you during an emergency, please let us know now.

We also urge those who are away to:

● APPOINT A KEY HOLDER: Designate a local friend or home-watch service. Provide them with keys, alarm codes, warranty/vendor lists as well as your contact information and itinerary while you're away. Place the key holder’s name on your permanent list of people to be allowed through the South Gate.

● NOTIFY Detali & Associates (Krystal Smith 239-495-1057; ksmith@detaliassociates.com) of the name and telephone number of your Key Holder in case of emergency.

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The following are some general suggested precautions for homes that will be unlived in during the summer season:

● OUTDOOR FURNITURE, WALL HANGINGS ETC.: Place any outdoor furniture or possible "flying objects" inside the house or garage.

● ALARM SYSTEM: Call your alarm company with an updated call list of key holders.

● MAIN WATER SUPPLY: It is highly recommended to turn water "off." If applicable, make sure the pool service knows where the shutoff valve is located and that they turn off after each use.

● WATER HEATER: Either unplug the water heater or turn the circuit breaker "off." There is no need to drain the water heater.

● CIRCUIT BREAKERS: Water heaters turned to the "off" position.

● AIR CONDITIONING AND FILTER: First check and see what the manufacturer recommends for your system. The air conditioner should be set on "cool" and "auto" with a temperature of 80 to 83 degrees. Change the filter and make sure to have a filter that will be sufficient for your absence or leave additional filters to be changed by your key holder.

● HUMIDISTAT: Set at 65 percent or as recommended by the manufacturer.

● DISHWASHER AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL: Make sure they are empty. If a key holder is not running the systems once a week to prevent the drying of seals and elimination of odors, leave them cracked open.

● WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER: Turn off water hoses.

● REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER: Recommend cleaning out of all perishable items. Place anything that is in pantry that may attract ants into the refrigerator. Set ice maker to the "off" position. Keep in mind long-term power outages may occur during hurricane season. If refrigerator is being turned off, completely open doors and unplug at power outlet.

● SMOKE DETECTORS: Replace all batteries. (9 volt)
● TOILETS: Turn to "off" the valve located behind the actual toilet.
● FAUCETS: Make sure all faucets are turned to the "off" position, just in case someone were to turn on the main water valve and leave it running.
● WINDOWS/DOORS: Make sure all are locked and secured.
● LIGHTS: It is recommended that one or two lamps in the home be operated on a timer.
● NEWSPAPER AND MAIL: Place a hold on your newspaper delivery. Have mail either held at the local office or have your mail forwarded to you.
● POOL SERVICE: Have a hose located near the pool to allow water to be added. Be sure your pool service knows where the shutoff valve is located.
● PEST CONTROL: If they are to spray while you're away then leave a number of a key holder to be contacted to set up an appointment or just advise them to spray the outside only.
● HOSES: Turn off, remove all but one near pool if applicable.
● VEHICLES: Disconnect battery on car.

SOURCE: Home Check Services