Things To Know Before You Go
Whether you're
going on vacation for spring break, travel extensively for business or
pleasure, have rental property that is unoccupied, or share time between two
homes, there are things you can and should do before closing up your house for
any real length of time, according to the Insurance Institute for Business
& Home Safety.
Adjust
Thermostat - One of the easiest things to do, but something easily forgotten,
is adjusting the thermostat.
- In colder climates, don't turn the
thermostat off. Instead, lower it to a temperature that's warm enough to keep
pipes from freezing but low enough that you are not spending money to heat an
empty home. (No lower than 55 degrees.)
- In warmer climates, high temperatures and
humidity can damage furniture or other home contents. In this case, set your
air conditioner to 85 degrees.
Protect
Plumbing - Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes can burst. Pipes, water heaters
and other appliances can leak, or in freezing weather, pipes can freeze and
burst, which can cause major damage in a home left unattended. - If you are leaving for an extended period
of time, the best protection is to have the water shut off and the water lines
drained. - Seek the advice of a professional plumber,
who can shut off the valve at the water meter and send water outdoors and away
from the house or into a basement drain. Once this has been done, the plumber
should flush all toilets and drain the showerhead pipe.
- Shut off the gas to the water
heater (or the gas company can do this for you), or turn the temperature
control to a "vacation" setting. If your house has a water softener,
shut off its supply line.
If you choose to leave the water service
turned on or will be away only a short while:
- Make sure all pipes are insulated,
especially in a garage or basement next to an outside wall or in crawl spaces
and the attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
- Heat tape can also be used to wrap
pipes. Wrap the tape or cables around water pipes, plug in the cord and the
heating element will warm the pipes to prevent freezing. Closely follow all
manufacturers' installation and operation instructions. - Turn off the water supply to
individual fixtures like your washing machine, icemaker, toilets and sinks.
- Flooding often occurs when hoses
are worn or ruptured, or there is a leak at the connection.
- Don't leave appliances (dishwasher,
washing machine or dryer) running when you leave, and check to make sure
toilets aren't running. As an extra precaution, unplug your toaster, coffee
maker, microwave oven, computer and television.
- Make sure the sump pump is working,
especially in late winter or early spring when melting snow or heavy rain
increases the risk of basement flooding.
Plan for High
Wind - If you're going to be away during a season that brings high wind,
protect your property:
- Trim dead limbs from trees and
shrubbery and store outdoor furniture and other objects that could become
damaging missiles if picked up by high wind.
- Close and lock all doors, windows,
skylights and vents to keep out wind and wind-driven rain.
Make Your House
or Business Look Occupied - An empty, unsecured property can be a tempting target
for thieves and vandals.
- Put interior and exterior lights on
timers and/or motion sensors. Set the timers on staggered hours to turn lights
on and off at different times.
- Make sure tapered deadbolt locks all
installed and in use on entry doors. The taper makes it almost impossible to
use a wrench or other tool to twist the lock open. - Suspend mail service and newspaper
delivery.
- Install a monitored security system.
(Insurers often provide discounts for devices that make a home safer, so
consider the financial benefit.) - Inform the local police department that
your house will be empty. Original Article Water Damage Local.com is available 24/7 to handle all of your flood damage and water restoration needs. Call today for a free estimate. 
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