Tag: snowbirds

Leaving for winter? You lucky dog. Or, should I say, bird? Before you fly off to warm weather, there are several steps you should take at home to ensure it’s ready for the long, cold winter without your watchful eye. Below are several maintenance tips to consider to protect your home from damage and theft.

MAINTENANCE
-If you have a smartphone, you might even want to install a video doorbell system that can capture any possible intruders.
-Clean your gutters and check your roof for damage to ensure proper drainage.
-Winterize drains: Drain exterior pipes, remove attached hoses, and flip that shut-off valve.
-Set interior lights on an automatic timer to make it appear like someone’s home. (Change your lightbulbs before you leave, too.)
-Make sure your exterior motion/security lights are in good working order  -and change those light bulbs. Make sure lights are installed both in the front and rear of the home.
-Ensure all water shut-off valves are in proper working order (toilets, outside water lines, washing machine.) Install new ones if needed to avoid costly leaks.
-Bring in or secure any outdoor items that could be damaged by wind or heavy storms.
-Make sure your smoke alarms are installed and working on every floor of your home – especially if your home is connected to a system that alerts the local fire station. Even if you’re not connected, a blaring smoke alarm can often catch a neighbor’s attention, too.
-Chimneys: Make sure to close the flue to the chimney to keep out any unwanted guests like squirrels, bats or birds. Install a guard or screen over the top of the chimney, since this also helps to keep out animals.
-Windows & doors: make sure all windows and doors are shutting and locking appropriately. Now might be a good time to add or repair any locks. -Double check operation of (or install new) deadbolts on all doors – especially side/hidden doors. Don’t make it easy to get inside just because that one lock doesn’t quite do the job anymore.
-Yard: Trim back oversized hedges and bushes that can obscure a burglar while trying to get in your home. Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could damage your house.
-Check weather-stripping, insulation and exterior doors and windows to ensure no major deficiencies are present. Water and insects can enter through these openings and you could return home to a mess or infestation.

Leaving for winter? You lucky dog. Or, should I say, bird? Before you fly off to warm weather, there are several steps you should take at home to ensure it’s ready for the long, cold winter without your watchful eye. Below are several maintenance tips to consider to protect your home from damage and theft.

MAINTENANCE
-If you have a smartphone, you might even want to install a video doorbell system that can capture any possible intruders.
-Clean your gutters and check your roof for damage to ensure proper drainage.
-Winterize drains: Drain exterior pipes, remove attached hoses, and flip that shut-off valve.
-Set interior lights on an automatic timer to make it appear like someone’s home. (Change your light bulbs before you leave, too.)
-Make sure your exterior motion/security lights are in good working order  -and change those light bulbs. Make sure lights are installed both in the front and rear of the home.
-Ensure all water shut-off valves are in proper working order (toilets, outside water lines, washing machine.) Install new ones if needed to avoid costly leaks.
-Bring in or secure any outdoor items that could be damaged by wind or heavy storms.
-Make sure your smoke alarms are installed and working on every floor of your home – especially if your home is connected to a system that alerts the local fire station. Even if you’re not connected, a blaring smoke alarm can often catch a neighbor’s attention, too.
-Chimneys: Make sure to close the flue to the chimney to keep out any unwanted guests like squirrels, bats or birds. Install a guard or screen over the top of the chimney, since this also helps to keep out animals.
-Windows & doors: make sure all windows and doors are shutting and locking appropriately. Now might be a good time to add or repair any locks. -Double check operation of (or install new) deadbolts on all doors – especially side/hidden doors. Don’t make it easy to get inside just because that one lock doesn’t quite do the job anymore.
-Yard: Trim back over-sized hedges and bushes that can obscure a burglar while trying to get in your home. Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could damage your house.
-Check weather-stripping, insulation and exterior doors and windows to ensure no major deficiencies are present. Water and insects can enter through these openings and you could return home to a mess or infestation.

DON’T FORGET!
-Stop your mail & newspaper – piling packages draw attention to your empty home.
-Unplug unnecessary appliances to save energy and reduce risk of fire.
-Arrange with someone to remove snow on your property after storms. If someone slips and falls on your property- they could file a claim. Not to mention, snow removal makes it appear as if someone is home.
-Unplug/empty any automatic ice makers. Empty fridge/freezer and leave doors open for air circulation and leave a box of baking soda in each to cut down on odors.
-If you have a landline – turn off your ringer so it doesn’t cue intruders that your home is vacant. (Better yet- pause or stop your service and save some cash!)
-Have someone check on your house regularly (inside and out.)
-Close your drapes/curtains to make it harder to see inside.
-Take out the trash and empty those garbage cans.
-Flush your toilet to clear the water from the tank and bowl, then consider pouring antifreeze in toilet tanks and bowls to prevent any remaining water from freezing and cracking.* Always use non-toxic antifreeze rated for plumbing systems.
-If you keep your water on – keep your heat on as well but at a low 55 degrees to keep pipes from freezing.