Plan for Winter Safety Months Before Your Vacation

When you're mowing the lawn during a hot summer day, probably the last thing on your mind is a winter holiday. However, advance planning can save you a serious case of winter woes. Consider the tips in this article long before you leave.

Are you planning a getaway this winter? Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your home.

Advance Preparations

• Clean all eaves troughs and downspouts to prevent freezing water buildups that can damage roofs and cause water damage.

• Prune off any damaged tree branches that might blow free in a windstorm.

• Ensure that your heating system and chimney are in optimum working condition.

• If you have a temperature-monitoring system that can notify your smartphone when there's a problem, learn how to use it.

• Did you check and replace smoke alarm/CO detector batteries in the fall? If not, do it now.

• Close fireplace flues and windows. Check for drafts, and use caulking or weather-stripping to seal any cracks that might be letting cold air into your living space.

• Insulate pipes that are susceptible to freezing.

Before You Leave

• Disconnect garden hoses, and put them away in their normal storage place.

• Set the thermostat to a moderate setting that will keep pipes from freezing and protect houseplants.

• Open faucets near outside walls so that they drip very slowly. This will help prevent freezing and bursting.

• If there's no need for water in the house while you're away, turn off the main water supply, and drain the lines to each faucet or appliance. Leave the faucets open.

• After you turn off the main water supply, drain all toilets by holding down the flush levers while you wait for all water to empty from the tanks.

• Open cupboard doors under sinks, as well as dishwasher and washing machine doors. This allows room air to keep water hoses and pipes warm.

• If your home is on well water, turn off the pump's electric switch, and drain the system - including the pressure tank.

• Turn off and unplug interior and exterior Christmas decorations.

• Don't rely on portable heaters while you're gone.

• Close all curtains and blinds to retain heat. Supplement this step with a timer system that turns indoor lights off and on, so that your residence appears occupied.

• For extended absences, unplug, empty, and clean the refrigerator. Leave the door open, and put a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. It might be necessary to use a rolled up towel to keep the door from closing.

After You Return

• Before you enter your residence, inspect the exterior. If anything looks suspicious - like a broken window, jimmied door, etc. - contact the police and wait for them to arrive. An intruder could still be inside.

• If you discover evidence of a break-in after you enter the house, don't touch anything. You must preserve the scene. Call the police immediately.

(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.

About the Author:

If you're looking for more Home Safety Tips - including five chapters just for vacationers - check Kathy's website. Other books filled with travel tips: Top Tips for Packing Your Suitcase and Top Tips for Travel by Air. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)