Are you planning on taking a trip this winter? Are you a ‘snowbird’ who heads south for the season? Be sure to take these steps to help protect your vacant home from theft, heating or electrical issues, water damage and other threats.
Make sure your home doesn’t look vacant
When a house looks unoccupied, it can be a prime target for theft. Be sure to arrange for a friend to pick up any shipments that could come to your door, stop newspaper service, and forward your mail. When it snows, arrange for someone to remove your snow and make sure that they are properly licensed and insured. Cameras, timer lights, and motion sensor lights are also helpful.
Secure your Home
Check that all windows and doors are locked securely. If you have valuable items that you are not bringing with you on the trip, storing in a safe or safety deposit box is a good idea. Also, be sure that these items are covered on your policy. If you have an alarm system, confirm that it is in working order and secure when you depart.
If you are active on social media, be sure to keep your travel plans to yourself. If somebody in the public sees that you are in another place, it is safe for them to assume that your house is vacant.
Turn off your water
Protect your pipes from bursts or leaks by completely shutting off the water supply if you will be gone for an extended time. Be sure to drain the pipes by opening faucets and flushing toilets.
Be aware that some older heating systems require steam and water to work. Also, if you have a sprinkler system, be careful not to shut off the water to those.
A plumber can help you to complete these steps and certify that all is done properly for the machinery that your home has.
4. Keep your home warm
If you don’t turn off the water, be sure to keep your home at 55 degrees to ensure that pipes don’t freeze.
5. Complete home maintenance before you leave
Be sure to get inspections completed on your roof, heating system and electrical system before leaving. Unplug appliances and remove any tree branches overhanging that could damage your house as well. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
6. Prevent Pests
While you are away, be sure no critters come to stay. Inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter, such as your fireplace flue. Check weather-stripping on doors and windows and insulation. Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage new “residents” from moving in. In the kitchen, clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also clean the oven.
7. Prepare for Emergencies
Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or relative to keep an eye on your home and be available in emergency situations. Give them access to your home so they can regularly monitor heating, electrical and water systems.
Notify the police department that the property will be vacant and provide emergency notification numbers.
8. Review your Insurance Policy
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your homeowners insurance policy before leaving your home vacant. Taking this step prepares you for if you do need to file a claim, and gives you the opportunity to make sure that you have enough coverage for your home.
9. Purchase Travel Insurance
If you will be out of the country or far away from home, purchasing travel insurance is the best way to ensure that you can handle any unexpected costs. Some insurance helps to cover the cost of the trip should you need to cancel or avoid your destination due to weather. Other offerings include health insurance packages and more. MCIA can help you navigate what insurance you might need for your trip.
Here is a helpful checklist from Travelers Insurance to use when getting ready to leave for the season!
