February break is coming up and with the time-off from school, it’s a great time to get away from the cold and vacation somewhere warmer. But while you’re enjoying warmer temperatures, your house could be at risk. It’s important to make sure that everything is in working order while you’re away so that you can return to a home that’s exactly as you left it.

Know the risks of leaving your home

According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms caused nearly $6 billion in insured losses during 2022.

The most obvious risk is from the cold weather. When temperatures drop to low temperatures, pipes can freeze. The winter weather can cause pipes to burst, leaving water damage throughout your home. Harsher weather like snowstorms can lead to ice dams on your roof which can also cause leaks.

An empty home is also enticing to burglars. When a house doesn’t look lived in, it becomes a target for those who might be looking for their next target to hit.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take in order to make sure that everything is fine while you are away.

Learn how to keep your home safe

Here are 5 ways you can keep your home safe while you’re away for winter break.

1. Set the temperature
   Keeping your house at a safe indoor temperature is crucial while you are away because it will prevent your house and your pipes from freezing. It might seem natural that while nobody is home, you would want to keep your heat off to save on costs. But if you leave your house freezing, that’s when you risk frozen pipes that burst and cause damage. Experts suggest keeping your house temperature at 55-60 degrees fahrenheit to prevent freezing.
2. Turn off your water
   Turning off your water and draining your pipes before leaving is also an option to prevent water damage from pipes bursting. For longer trips, it is suggested that you turn off your main water line and drain all pipes so that in the event pipes were to freeze, there is no water inside to expand to cause bursting. This may seem like overkill, but if there is nobody around to check in on the home, it is better to take as many precautions as possible.
3. Secure your home
   You also want to make sure your house is secure from intruders and protected from the risk of fires. This is always important, but when you’re gone for extended periods of time you want to ensure everything is in working order. Always make sure that your home is secure and locked not only when you are away, but when you’re home, as well. Before leaving, check all points of entry to make sure everything is properly locked. Doors, windows and garages are the most common entry points. If you have a home alarm system, make sure it’s activated.
4. Deter Intruders
   To keep your house off of a burglar’s radar you might want to create a “lived-in” appearance. This will deter any intruders from targeting your home while away. Things like setting lights to go on and off with timers, stopping mail deliveries and having cars in the driveway are just a few examples of steps you can take. You could also ask a neighbor to take your trash out on trash days, or take in any packages that may have been delivered.
5. Prevent fires
   Keep your home safe from fires by taking inventory of your home and eliminating the risks. Measures like unplugging unnecessary appliances, clearing your gutters and ensuring your heating system is in proper health, can help decrease the likelihood of a fire.

Set up security monitoring

Installing security cameras that are integrated with a monitoring service allows you to check in on your property whenever you need to. If cameras detect unusual activity, central station monitoring agents and emergency responders will be alerted to intervene.

Taking these simple steps will keep your house safe and secure whenever you leave, and while you’re home, as well. This will improve your sense of safety and peace of mind, especially while you’re away.

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