Tis the season for palm trees and beaches. To make sure your vacation doesn’t add to your stress, take a few steps to keep your home safe while you’re away.

1. Unplug unnecessary appliances like your toaster oven. You’ll reduce energy use and prevent something from going haywire if the power surges.

2. Shut off the water. No one needs to return home to a burst pipe, and water damage may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

3. Check the hometown forecast for potential extreme weather. If you have outdoor furniture or other items that you wouldn’t want to take a beating, bring them under shelter. Consider that summer thunderstorms can pop up suddenly and unleash severe winds or even hail.

4. Enlist a neighbor to pick up your mail. This keeps the mailbox from overflowing without the hassle of stopping the mail, and reminds neighbors to keep an eye out while you’re away. You can also ask a neighbor to flick lights on and off or use your driveway to keep up appearances.

5. Keep the curtains open (or closed). Leave the curtains and blinds in whatever position you keep them most often.

6. Check the locks. Even before you leave, give old locks a good inspection to ensure their serviceability. Antique locks eventually wear out, and the metal dowels for glass doors have a way of walking off.  Of course, check all windows and deadbolts before you leave.

7. Hide the spare key. No, not under the plastic rock or in the flower pot. Give it to a neighbor or leave it with a friend rather than trusting no one will find your hiding spot.

8. Stay quiet on social media. Take the opportunity to unplug as much as possible, and hold the “My house is empty!” notices.