As the winds of winter begin to blow, or at least the chills of fall start to give you nightmares about ice and snow, it’s important to remember a few key tips to protecting your house before you high-tail it to Florida.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your home, and your belongings, safe for the winter when you’re far away.
- Pipe Down: Depending on how long you’re planning to flee the scene, it may be worthwhile to completely turn off the water in your home while you’re away. This is especially important during the winter months, when a frozen and burst pipe could cause immense damage to your home. If your house is heated by a steam heating system, you should always contact a heating professional prior to turning off the water supply associated with that to determine how safe it would be to shut off.
- Keep It Cozy: If you won’t be gone for an extended period of time or have another reason why turning off your water won’t work, make sure that you keep your home warm enough to prevent freezing. If the temperature is at least 55 degrees or above, the water pipes should be able to stay defrosted. Another way to help with this is to open doors between rooms, as well as cabinet doors to help with circulation getting to the pipes.
- Fake Out: Leaving for a period of time may cause you to inadvertently alert thieves that your home is open for use. Make sure that you take steps to keep your house looking lived in—have a neighbor or friend pick up the newspaper or mail, and shovel away snow in the driveway. Another good way to help with this is to put lights in the house on a timer for alternating periods.
- Lock Up: In addition to making your house look lived in, you can also secure it further for any thieves who may attempt to enter. Make sure you have a working alarm system, and that all doors and windows are securely locked. And while you may trust your friends, posting travel plans or notice of departure on social media can alert those who may be a threat to your property that you will be away.
- Sweep Up: To keep everything tidy and more importantly, safe, during your time away, make sure to fully inspect your heating and electric systems for any flaws before you go. Clean your gutters and clear your roof to prevent ice buildup, and remove any dead trees or branches that could be a hazard to your house in a storm. In addition to making sure your electrical system is in good condition, you’ll also save money and be safer by unplugging your appliances and electronics during your time away.
A home is a huge investment, both in time and finances. When it comes to protecting your investment, we at Berliner-Gelfland are here to help with over 50 years of insurance experience. Give us a call today at 203-367-7704 to learn what we can do for you.