Useful Tips

INSIDE/OUTSIDE YOUR HOME CONSIDERATIONS:

• Shut off main water valve to help prevent a potential large water loss
• Unhook all exterior hoses
• Lock garage door manually
• Double check that all doors and windows are locked
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
• Secure all valuables and place somewhere safe/hidden
• Set Heat/Air to a constant temperature based on worst case weather scenario
• Leave exterior lights on or confirm that your motion or timer exterior lights are working properly
• Set home alarm system
• Leave a couple lights on in the home so it looks like someone is there

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Alert alarm company of your vacation dates so they know you are away
• Think about not posting on social media that you are away or pictures that suggest it. Instead, post after your return that you had a great trip, glad to be back and then share your memories
• Make sure lawn and snow removal needs are arranged
• Let a neighbor or friend know you are leaving town so they may help keep an eye on things and make sure they have your contact information to reach you while you are away
• Stop newspaper and mail delivery or plan for someone to pick up daily

INSIDE/OUTSIDE YOUR HOME CONSIDERATIONS:

• Shut off main water valve to help prevent a potential large water loss
• If your home is going to be vacant for an extended period of time, consider winterizing the home professionally
• Make sure all gutters and downspouts are free and clear of debris to avoid water damage
• Close window coverings
• Unhook all exterior hoses
• Lock garage door manually
• Double check that all doors and windows are locked
• Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
• Set Heat/Air to a constant temperature based on worst case weather scenario
• Leave exterior lights on or confirm that your motion or timer exterior lights are working properly
• Set home alarm system
• Leave a couple lights on in the home so it looks like someone is there
• Make sure trees around the home are properly trimmed and healthy
• Stop newspaper and mail delivery or plan for someone to pick up daily

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Check with your insurance company ahead of time. Most Insurance companies have written in the policy that homes that are vacant longer than 30 days may not be covered in the event of damages. Therefore, you may need to contact your agent and inquire about coverage.
• Make sure you have your lawn care and snow removal set up
• Alert the neighbors of the situation and leave them your contact information
• Have a friend or neighbor periodically do a walk through

POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS:

• Candles
• Clogged or dirty dryer vents, hoses and lint collectors
• Fireplaces, keep chimney clean and free of debris
• Ashes from grills or fireplaces not properly cooled and safely disposed of
• Flammable liquids and products that are not safely stored or disposed of
• Electrical cords that are fraying, wires exposed or kinked
• Loose outlets
• Too many devices on one circuit
• Christmas lights improperly hung or near dry bristles
• Electric space heaters
• Smoking/ashtray disposal
• Fireworks
• Lightning strikes

PREPARATIONS AND PREVENTIONS:

• Have an escape plan for your family in the event of a fire, do a fire drill based on several scenarios
• If you and/or members of your family are in upstairs bedrooms, consider getting a window fire ladder made for residential use as the fire may be blocking the stairwell
• Keep fire extinguishers conveniently located on each level of your home
• Safely store all flammable products
• Do not store anything near a gas furnace or water heater
• Keep electric space heaters away from anything flammable, turn off when not in the same room as the unit and make sure it is secure where it is set up so it does not easily fall over
• Do not put items close to a stove
• Do not leave food cooking on the stove unattended
• Turn off Christmas lights before your go to bed
• Do not staple Christmas lights to your home or deck
• Make sure all your electrical and charging cords are in good shape
• Loose electrical outlets should be attended to
• Do not leave burning candles unattended
• Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good, working order periodically