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Many homeowners may soon be heading to the southern parts of the country to escape the brutal cold and heavy precipitation of winter. However, while you might successfully be getting out of the path of winter storms, your home could be in harm’s way during winter weather. To ensure that you are protecting your property you will need to make some preparations to alleviate the stress you might have while being away.
If you are vacating your home, consider the following before you leave:
Gone for a week
USA Today, a national publication, suggests making a comprehensive list of things to do before leaving the house for a winter vacation. Key items on that list: Unplug electrical devices (other than the refrigerator) to save power and reduce fire risk, and consider using a timer for lights. According to the article, homeowners will also want to keep the heat set around 50 degrees, as this will not take up too much energy but will also keep the pipes warm enough to avoid damage.
The source urges individuals to remove any and all items from the refrigerator that could potentially spoil. When only gone for a week or so, keep your eye on the weather and see what the temperatures are expected to be while you are away. The article also advises shutting off the water supply to the house while away.
Finally, USA Today recommends taking a look at maintenance contracts and schedules and notifying all of your service providers that you will be away.
Gone for the season
If you are going to vacate your home for the entire winter, there will be more preparations needed. USA Today recommends turning off the water supply to your home. Open all faucets and drain them. Angie's List suggests leaving faucets open to prevent pressure buildup.
Angie's List also recommends checking your sump pump and gutters, as well closing the damper or flue on your fireplace. While you don't need to heat the home to a comfortable temperature when nobody is there, keeping your thermostat at around 50 degrees will help keep your pipes from freezing.
Have a neighbor or friend check on your home sporadically and ensure everything is safe. Check with your local Selective agent to ensure your valuables are covered.
Happy travels this winter!
If you are vacating your home, consider the following before you leave:
Gone for a week
USA Today, a national publication, suggests making a comprehensive list of things to do before leaving the house for a winter vacation. Key items on that list: Unplug electrical devices (other than the refrigerator) to save power and reduce fire risk, and consider using a timer for lights. According to the article, homeowners will also want to keep the heat set around 50 degrees, as this will not take up too much energy but will also keep the pipes warm enough to avoid damage.
The source urges individuals to remove any and all items from the refrigerator that could potentially spoil. When only gone for a week or so, keep your eye on the weather and see what the temperatures are expected to be while you are away. The article also advises shutting off the water supply to the house while away.
Finally, USA Today recommends taking a look at maintenance contracts and schedules and notifying all of your service providers that you will be away.
Gone for the season
If you are going to vacate your home for the entire winter, there will be more preparations needed. USA Today recommends turning off the water supply to your home. Open all faucets and drain them. Angie's List suggests leaving faucets open to prevent pressure buildup.
Angie's List also recommends checking your sump pump and gutters, as well closing the damper or flue on your fireplace. While you don't need to heat the home to a comfortable temperature when nobody is there, keeping your thermostat at around 50 degrees will help keep your pipes from freezing.
Have a neighbor or friend check on your home sporadically and ensure everything is safe. Check with your local Selective agent to ensure your valuables are covered.
Happy travels this winter!
