Although summer may be coming to an end, the warm weather is still around and is looking to be here for a while longer. One of the most popular activities to do in such weather is to take a vacation. It doesn't matter if it's a week long getaway for an annual family reunion or a simple weekend away where you and your friends can spend time at the beach. A vacation is a vacation.

Before you head away on your vacation, however, there are some important items that you should tend to which can help to ensure that you don't return home and find that your house has sustained severe property damage and requires water damage restoration. To help get you started, Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services has prepared an easy to follow checklist to minimize such events.

Water damage restoration is the most common type of service that is needed when homeowners return from vacation. However, this type of damage is also the easiest to prevent.

The first step is to turn your water off. Unless somebody will be staying in your home, your best option is to shut off the water completely. However, if you prefer to leave your water services running, take the time to check every faucet in your home, along with any exterior faucets used for gardening, etc., and ensure they are completely turned off. Even the smallest of drips can accumulate and cause damage.

As a secondary measure, be sure that the water in your toilet is not still running. If you flush your toilet, and the water continues to drain and flow, either turn it off at the wall or have it checked by a plumber before you leave.

Whether your hot water service is gas or electric, it's likely to have a 'vacation mode'. Be sure to switch it on before you leave. Of course, the best advice is to turn it off completely.

If you are unlucky enough to return home and discover water damage to your property, identify the leak, and if safe to do so, stop it immediately. Once you have done this, speak with Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 and request a professional attend your property immediately to assess the damage and begin restoration work.

It is likely that you will need to leave your electricity switched on to power your refrigerator and security system, along with any other essential items you may have in your home. The key to minimizing damage caused by electrical issues is to turn anything that you don't need off. Not just using the remote or even the physical power button; completely off at the wall and remove the socket. It only takes one small short-circuit of an appliance to cause a fire, and without anybody there to notice, it can quickly grow and cause serious damage.

On the subject of fire, be sure to check that your fire and smoke detectors are fully functional. While you may not be around to hear them, it's likely that your neighbors will, and it can be an excellent alert system for them to take notice and call any emergency services if needed.

A vacation is an exciting time and one that you want to share. However, the best advice is to keep your vacation plans low-key, and only share photos and memories once you have returned. Making this public before you leave is essentially advertising that your home will be vacant for an extended period.

If you have an alarm system installed in your home, be sure to speak with your provider and make them aware that you will be away from the property. If you live in a gated community which includes on-site security, be sure to let them know.

These are all great ways to help you prevent returning home to find property or water damage. In addition to these, speak with friends or family who may have been unlucky enough to experience such an event and learn the cause of the damage. This information can be beneficial to you to ensure that it does not happen to you.

In the event that your property does sustain damage, speak with a professional property and water damage restoration service as soon as possible. Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services can be contacted by calling 888-436-3499 and can attend your property and provide expert assessment and water damage restoration services.