We are again approaching that time of year when many of you will be headed to warmer climates for the winter. We feel it is important to remind you to take the necessary measures to properly winterize your home while you are away. Here's some tips from your friends at Perspective Insurance:
- Prevent your home from appearing unoccupied.
- Forward mail, stop newspaper delivery and ask a friend to pick up items that may be left at the door.
- Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms.
- Install motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times.
- Maintain heat in your home; make arrangements to keep propane tanks filled as needed.
- Drain water pipes; consider pouring non-toxic antifreeze in toilet tanks and bowls to prevent any remaining water from freezing. If you would prefer to avoid draining your water pipes, maintain the heat in the home and open room and cabinet doors so the heat can circulate where the pipes are located.
- Consider installing monitoring equipment as well as an app on your cell phone to alert you to any sudden temperature changes in your house.
- Have a designated person available to keep watch over your house and make occasional interior checks of the property.
Not only will this help prevent a major loss but will also hopefully save you from the frustrations of coming home to a major mess!