When you are preparing for winter travel, your focus is squarely on where you are going, what you will do, and who you will see. However, it is important not to neglect the status of things at home, while you are gone. Winter can be hard on a house, after all, and the last thing you want is to return to a disaster that could have been prevented. Following are some important systems to check, and protect, before you leave.
Electrical
Some of the most serious winter fire hazards are related to holiday lighting. Be sure to double check all lighting, and make sure there are no frayed wires or compromised plugs. If your Christmas tree is still in place, don’t leave lighting plugged in, even if you have a switch for turning it off.
As well, check your household outlets for potential fire hazards. Children are notorious for leaving everything from toys to clothes lying around, and if they happen to be near electrical plugs or wires, there is potential for trouble.
Save on electrical use while you are away. Unplug non-essential appliances such as the coffee maker and toaster. Shut off satellite boxes. These can use power, even when off, if they are plugged in.
Heating
While you are away, there is no need for your house to be heated to the degree that it is when you are home. Scale back the programming, and set the thermostat at a cooler temperature. Save on energy.
Plumbing
One of the most prevalent household problems during the winter is frozen pipes. Wrap exposed pipes with protective insulation, foam, or heat tape. Check for exposed pipes in your garage, and as well, in your yard. While a frozen pipe may not seem to be a problem while you are away, the thawing out will often lead to leaks, which are frustrating enough, even when you are home. You really don’t want to return home to a flooded yard!
Security
Security measures to protect your home should be taken in a number of ways. If you are going to be away for an extended period, arrange for your newspaper and mail delivery to be temporarily suspended. Set a timer for outdoor lighting. If you have a security service, advise the company of your being away. If you don’t have a security service, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things, or hire a teenager to house sit. Make sure that your helper has your contact information.
Winter travel can be lots of fun, but there is potential for problems if your home isn’t adequately protected before you leave. Make sure that while you are away, you don’t need to worry, and that when you return, you don’t encounter unexpected disasters.
Emily is a blogger and contributing writer for Policy Expert, a site that helps customers choose different policies including contents insurance, in order to protect their assets.