{"id":3458,"date":"2013-09-20T11:00:15","date_gmt":"2013-09-20T15:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=3458"},"modified":"2015-02-06T16:10:51","modified_gmt":"2015-02-06T21:10:51","slug":"heading-south-home-protection-tips-for-snowbirds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/heading-south-home-protection-tips-for-snowbirds\/","title":{"rendered":"Heading South?  Home Protection Tips for Snowbirds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Most experienced \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csnowbirds\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d know that taking precautions to protect their empty home inside and out before heading south is well worth the effort.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 All it takes is one home disaster to occur when you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re miles away and you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll quickly see how vulnerable a vacant house is to burglars, weather-related fiascos and mechanical failures.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 So make protecting your empty home part of your vacation planning by following these tips (many of which can be done by <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx\">DIY-ers<\/a><\/strong>!) and you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll be rewarded with a more restful and enjoyable escape!\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Here\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s how:<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx?');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx?\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3467\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Snowbirds should protect their home before heading south for the winter.\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Orchard_House_in_Winter_Concord_MA.jpg\" alt=\"Snowbirds should protect their home before heading south for the winter\" width=\"354\" height=\"266\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Start With the Outside<\/em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Clean gutters to prevent ice dams and allow melting snow to drain away from the house (and not into the basement).<\/li>\n<li>Trim tree branches located near the home and power lines.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off sprinkler system and drain.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off outside water faucets using basement shut-off valve; leave faucets open.<\/li>\n<li>Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses in garage or shed.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off and drain outdoor sprinkler system.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange for a snowplow service to plow driveway and shovel walkway so your home looks occupied after major snowstorms.<\/li>\n<li>Stop mail and newspaper delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><em>Guard Against Water Damage<\/em><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pumpalarm-cellular-water-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pumpalarm-cellular-water-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"The PitBoss Sump Pump Alarm communicates via a cell phone signal.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/8017_1_.jpg\" alt=\"The PitBoss Sump Pump Alarm communicates via a cell phone signal\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Either turn off and drain the water heater, or if that is not practical, protect against flooding with a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8476-new-floodstop-for-water-heaterwhole-house-fs-34-npt-v4-lead-free.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8476-new-floodstop-for-water-heaterwhole-house-fs-34-npt-v4-lead-free.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">water heater shutoff valve<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Wrap all pipes in unheated areas of the home with insulated tape or flexible molded pipe sleeves.<\/li>\n<li>Install a water alarm and flood sensor that will alert you of flooding before extensive damage is done.<\/li>\n<li>Backwash water softener system and disconnect.<\/li>\n<li>Check <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=ABS+Robusta');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=ABS+Robusta\" target=\"_blank\">sump pump<\/a><\/strong> to be sure it is working properly and not blocked; install a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8017-pitboss-cellular-pump-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">sump pump alarm<\/a><\/strong> to <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/best-basement-flood-protection-sump-pumps-and-early-warning-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\">receive alerts<\/a><\/strong> should a power outage or mechanical failure occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Prevent Damage from Freezing Temperatures<\/em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a professional inspect your furnace to ensure that it is working properly;\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 clean or replace the filters.<\/li>\n<li>Set thermostat to around 55\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b0F (12.7\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00b0C) to prevent frozen pipes.<\/li>\n<li>Install a <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/freeze-alarms-for-every-budget-best-way-to-prevent-damage-by-frozen-pipes\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>freeze alarm<\/strong><\/a> or <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=BAYWeb+Internet+thermostat');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/search.aspx?searchterm=BAYWeb+Internet+thermostat\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Internet thermostat<\/strong><\/a> to alert you of changing conditions, such as a power outage and\/or drop in temperature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Protect Appliances<\/em><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8474-new-floodstop-washing-machine-valve-shutoff-kit-fs-34h-90-v4-lead-free.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8474-new-floodstop-washing-machine-valve-shutoff-kit-fs-34h-90-v4-lead-free.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"The Floodstop automatic water shutoff valve prevents damage caused by a washing machine flood.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8474.jpg\" alt=\"The Floodstop automatic water shutoff valve prevents damage caused by a washing machine flood\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Prevent <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/a-leaking-washing-machine-is-one-headache-you-can-prevent\/\" target=\"_blank\">washing machine flooding<\/a><\/strong> by installing an <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8474-new-floodstop-washing-machine-valve-shutoff-kit-fs-34h-90-v4-lead-free.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8474-new-floodstop-washing-machine-valve-shutoff-kit-fs-34h-90-v4-lead-free.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">automatic water shut off valve<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Throw out perishable foods in refrigerator and freezer; leave running or empty completely, unplug and prop doors open.<\/li>\n<li>Unplug TVs, computers, microwave ovens and other electrical appliances to protect against sudden power surges and <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-save-energy-at-home-using-a-power-meter\/\" target=\"_blank\">save energy<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Outsmart Burglars<\/em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Make your home looks lived-in by installing <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7937-datexx-pm-302b-sentina-utimer-ultimate-lamp-controller-and-safety-light.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7937-datexx-pm-302b-sentina-utimer-ultimate-lamp-controller-and-safety-light.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">automatic timers<\/a><\/strong> to turn inside lights on and off at random times.<\/li>\n<li>Install <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8009-maxsa-innovations-40220-solar-powered-10-watt-halogen-security-floodlight.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8009-maxsa-innovations-40220-solar-powered-10-watt-halogen-security-floodlight.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">motion sensor spotlights<\/a><\/strong> around the exterior of the house.<\/li>\n<li>Partially close blinds, drapes and shades to make it difficult for intruders to look in while still giving the impression that the house is occupied.<\/li>\n<li>Hide all expensive items and lock up any valuables or move them off-site.<\/li>\n<li>Install a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-212-video-surveillance-kits.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-212-video-surveillance-kits.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">video surveillance system<\/a><\/strong> to remotely monitor your home through playback video or watch live over the Internet or a smart phone, or a <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/9-reasons-why-a-wireless-security-system-is-better\/\" target=\"_blank\">DIY wireless security system<\/a><\/strong> to contact you directly of a break-in or disturbance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Get Help to Watch Your House<\/em><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6268-sensaphone-400-cottagesitter-remote-monitor-wtemp-ctrl-fgd-0400.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"A Sensaphone 400 Cottagesitter autodialer monitors for temperature, water on the floor, humidity, and much more.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/6268.jpg\" alt=\"A Sensaphone 400 Cottagesitter autodialer monitors for temperature, water on the floor, humidity, and much more\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Alert a trusted neighbor and the local police that you will be away.<\/li>\n<li>Ask a family member or neighbor to check on the house weekly or <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-improve-the-effectiveness-of-your-home-caretaker-this-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\">hire a professional caretaking service<\/a><\/strong> to check inside and outside the house each week.<\/li>\n<li>Install an <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-217-sensaphone-autodialers.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-217-sensaphone-autodialers.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">autodialer remote monitoring system<\/a><\/strong> that can be customized to monitor for temperature changes, security, flooding, humidity, smoke and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Summary<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Most of these steps to prepare and winterize your home can be <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">accomplished yourself<\/a><\/strong> in a weekend, although it\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s advisable to have a reputable plumber or HVAC service person inspect your water and heating systems. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Remember to check your homeowners insurance policy to be sure you have adequate coverage and contact your insurer to learn what precautions you must take to ensure coverage during an extended absence.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If you are a snowbird, protecting your home before heading south for the winter is the best way to get peace-of-mind while you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most experienced \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csnowbirds\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d know that taking precautions to protect their empty home inside and out before heading south is well worth the effort.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 All it takes is one home disaster to occur when you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re miles away and you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll quickly see how vulnerable a vacant house&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/heading-south-home-protection-tips-for-snowbirds\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,10,9],"tags":[129,450,472,150,198,470,31,471,22,96,469,468,473],"class_list":["post-3458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-freeze-alarms-heat-alarms","category-home-monitoring-security","tag-autodialers","tag-automatic-water-shut-off-valves","tag-motion-sensor-spotlights","tag-remote-monitoring-systems","tag-sensaphone-400","tag-sump-pump-alarms","tag-sump-pumps","tag-timers","tag-video-surveillance-kits","tag-washing-machine-leaks","tag-washing-machine-shutoff-valve","tag-water-heater-shutoff-valve","tag-wirelss-security-systems","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3458"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3473,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458\/revisions\/3473"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}