Keeping your home safe while you're on vacation

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

As the holidays creep in, people start heading out of state to visit families for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year, we want your home to look the same as it did when you left. Here are some steps you should take before you head out for vacation to keep your house looking spic and span.

1. Inspect your home
   • Before you leave, checking these areas of your home is crucial to be sure they are intact:
     •  Foundation
     • Shingles on the roof
     • Weather stripping on the windows
     • Water heater and furnace

2. During the winter- insure that the pipes are properly insulated. This way they won’t freeze, or there is less chance of them doing so.
3. Clean the gutters of any debris. If they are clogged they can trap excess rain water that can escape into your home causing damage.

Other things to consider before going away:

1. Unplug small appliances.
2. Turn off valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and sinks.
3. Check that smoke and CO detectors are working properly.
4. Dispose of perishable foods
5. Take out the trash.

Safety of your home:

If your house looks completely empty, that’s an invitation to burglars.

• Have a friend pick up your mail each day so it doesn’t pile up in the mailbox.
• Leave at least one light on a timer.
• Have a friend or neighbor pull into the driveway on occasion so it looks like there is some activity going on.
• Ask a friend to turn on lights at night so there is outdoor light.
• Be sure to lock the doors!
• If you have alarms, contact the alarm company so they know you’re out of town in case of a break in.

We hope the beginning of your holiday season is going great! If you suffer from any water, fire, or storm damage to your home, call us at (508) 234-3399 or visit our website for more information.