Planning a Trip? Here are some simple but helpful TIPS to keep your home safe while away
12/13/2019 (Permalink)
The trip has been booked, you have researched the top attractions, recharged your phones, laptop and IPad, packed your suitcases. You’re ready to hit the road.
But wait have you checked your home? Before you depart you should make sure to have your home to-do list completed…
- Turn off your main water supply
Pipes break and even leak even though we are on vacation. Returning home to a flooded house is not anything you want. Weather the trip is a couple days or a couple weeks it is always a good idea to turn the water off.
- Unplug all electronics
This tip has a couple benefits. By unplugging our devises we can prevent an electrical fire from starting and save money on our electric bill, who doesn’t like to save money.
Unplug the major appliances that you don’t need to run while you bask in the sun.
- Invest in a timer
Having lights turn on at different times and in different rooms can prevent a burglar from robbing you.
- Adjust your thermostat
If you live in a place where AC is a must during the summer months, adjust the thermostat a bit to save on your electricity bill. A good rule of thumb is to keep it a few degrees higher than normal. (So if you usually keep it at 70, change it to 75.) By not turning off the AC completely, you’ll keep enough air circulating to control humidity and mold.
If you live where it gets bitterly cold in the winter months you will want to leave the furnace on and lower it to 50-55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing while away.
- Pour baking soda down your drains and toilet
Coming home to a nasty smell can be prevented by combining some vinegar and baking soda add a cup to your drains for a fresh smell.
- Check up on your insurance
Checking your car, home or renters insurance should be a must. Knowing what our policies cover could save you time and money in the event that something does happen while away.
Also the belongings that you take with you on vacation are covered by your homeowners or renters insurance…who knew.
Bring back the warm weather with you please and thank you, SERVPRO of Dubuque, until next time…