Vacation Protection

Spring and Summer Vacations

• Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly picked up by a trusted neighbor.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home.
• Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shut-off is located in the event of a broken pipe.
• Set timers on interior lights to deter burglars.
• Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges,
• Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation.
• Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe deposit box.
• Turn off water valves to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher.
• Move your water heater thermostat to the vacation setting.

Fall and Winter Vacations

• Set the heat in your home to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If freezing temperatures are predicted, allow water to drip from a faucet near an outside wall.
• Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing. Typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces and in the attic are the most vulnerable.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and where appliances are near exterior walls.
• Move your water heater thermostat to the vacation setting.