At Tasco Security, we have many clients with second homes, summer cottages, lake houses, etc. Each year we see many issues happen in unoccupied homes, many times these problems could have been avoided with some foresight and attention. We decided to put a list together of a few of the major tasks to remember when closing up your summer home for the winter.
1. VET ALL CONTRACTORS & HIRED HELP
As you are in the process of getting ready for winter you may have a lot of tradespeople in your home (and they may be aware that you are leaving) from roofing contractors to cleaning services. Make sure that you vet them properly as they will know the house will be vacant for part of the year.
2. CHECK ALL PIPES
Depending on if you're going to keep your home heated and water running or turning off the heat and draining your pipes there are a few different things to consider. You have pipes running throughout your home and you need to inspect them closely before you leave. At Tasco Security we have people comment constantly after a burst pipe “I didn’t even know that was in there!”
Inspect your pipes for any signs of a potential issue. Make sure that all pipes in crawl spaces or places with little to no heat are wrapped in heat tape or temperature-controlled heating cables. Opening cabinet doors will also help uninsulated pipes get exposed to warmer air as well.
3. UPDATE NEIGHBORS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Make sure to reach out to your neighbors, police/fire departments and let them know that the property will be vacant, also make sure they have emergency contact info on file in case they need to reach you.
4. CHECK HVAC SYSTEM
Have your HVAC system serviced professionally to reduce the risk of failure or fire. Leave the thermostat at an appropriate temperature if you are keeping the house heated, we suggest no lower than 55 degrees.
5. CHECK YOUR HOME SECURITY SYSTEM, FIRE ALARMS & ENVIRONMENTAL ALARMS
Security Alarms
“Burglars want an easy target where they won’t likely be seen and where they can get in and out FAST! So they select an unoccupied home with the easiest access…” (www.jsu.edu)
Since you will be away from your home for weeks or months there may be easy signs that it is vacant. Unplowed driveways, unmaintained lawns, little to no lighting, etc. All these clues can highlight your home to potential burglars. This is why a home security system is so important. At Tasco Security, we always suggest using a professionally trained, licensed and insured security company as they understand the needs of securing your home and provide a reliable response plan.
“Homes without a home-security/alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so invest in an alarm system to protect your home” (www.jsu.edu)
If you already have an existing system, reach out to your security company to let them know when you are leaving. If you have a DIY camera system, we suggest testing all functionality on your own before leaving.
Fire Alarms
God forbid your summer home would catch fire while you are away for the winter but it’s best to be prepared. Check the system, install fresh batteries if needed, and be sure the air vents are well cleaned for good airflow.
Environmental Alarms
At Tasco Security, we offer a wide range of environmental alarms that can monitor for moisture, high or low temps, and humidity. These alarms can be the difference between hundreds and tens of thousands of dollars in damage for things like frozen pipes.
6. CHECK ELECTRICAL PANEL
Make sure all your fuses/breakers look in safe and satisfactory condition. Turn off all your circuit breakers except for the ones that are responsible for your security system/alarms.
7. UNPLUG ALL APPLIANCES
It’s best to unplug your appliances in case of a lightning strike. If you unplug a refrigerator it's best to leave the door propped open to avoid mildew and a bad smell.
8. CONSULT YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY/COMPANY
Did you know that you can be held responsible by insurance companies if you do NOT shut your water off when you leave the house? Or did you know that some homeowners insurance policies require house sitters? These are the details you need to check and understand, the last thing you want is a burst pipe situation with no insurance coverage.
9. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Winter is coming, high winds, low temps, rain, snow - depending on where you are this is typically the time of year roofs take a beating. Before you close up your summer home for the winter, inspect the roof, look for loose or broken shingles if it’s asphalt. If you have a standing seam roof, investigate for dents or loose panels. Another thing to tackle while you are inspecting is to clean your gutters of all debris, you won’t be back for a while and you want them performing flawlessly while you are away. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, leaks, and roof damage.
10. CHECK/ORGANIZE AND PICK UP YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES
Depending on your location winter weather can pack a punch. Here at Tasco Security, we deal with Nor’Easters, and typically after one of these storms people will lose power for extended periods. You want to make sure your outdoor spaces are cleaned up and free of anything that could go airborne. It’s also a good time to examine any trees around your property, are there any branches that may snap during freezing rain? Any trees that are now dead and leaning towards the house? Remember winter weather can pack a punch in many places.
If you are closing up your summer home for winter and have any questions about home security, alarms, or monitoring services please give us a call, we would be happy to talk about your options.
