Things To Do Before You Go

Lots of homeowners like to escape the cold and snow winter brings by heading south to Florida and other parts of the south. But just because they have dodged that winter bullet doesn’t mean their homes are going to remain safe from brutal winter weather while they are gone. If you’re planning to go south, here are some simple steps you can take that will give you peace of mind while you are away.

Start by making a list of things to do before you leave. Key items you should consider for that list are as follows:

• Unplug your electrical devices (other than the refrigerator). This saves on power and reduces the risk of fire.
• Put your lights on timers to discourage burglars.
• Turn your heat back to 50 degrees. This will save on energy while leaving the house warm enough to avoid damage like frozen pipes.
• Clean out the frig of all items that may potentially spoil.
• If you have a sump pump, double check to make sure it is working.
• Clean all leaves and debris from your gutters because clogged gutters can cause ice dams that can ruin your roof and cause leaks.
• Close the damper or flue on your fireplace.
• You can also take that a step further and turn off your water supply to the house and open all your faucets and drain them. Leaving the faucets open will prevent pressure buildup.
• See if neighbor or friend can check on your home sporadically to ensure everything is safe.
• And finally, check with your local insurance agent to ensure your valuables are covered.

Happy travels this winter!