Not Home For the Holidays

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Are you traveling during the holidays and not going to be home? Use these 5 tips to protect your home while you're away.

Spending quality time with your families may be one of the best parts of the holiday season. For many of us, we live in another city or state than our family. Which means start packing up and get the family ready to head out. Before you leave, it’s important take the proper precautions to keep your house safe while you’re away.

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, as long as you take the steps needed to protect your house for when you return.

Turn Down your Thermostat

Not only will you save money on your electricity or gas bill by turning off the heat or AC, but you limit your chances of an AC leak or furnace malfunction while you’re away from you home.

Notify a Neighbor

Be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. You’ll also want this neighbor to keep your walks cleared of snow and to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away. Make sure your house looks like somebody is home to deter a burglar.

Check your Holiday Lights for Fraying or Damage

December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked lamps. Replace any broken lamps and throw away strands with frayed cords. This will help prevent any accidental fires. 

Inspect the Furnace & the Chimney

Heating-equipment, like furnaces and fires can cause many deaths every year in the United States. In fact, in 2008, the U.S. Fire Administration reported approximately 2,650 people were killed by house fires. Take the time to have a professional come inspect your furnace and clean the chimney before you need to heat your home.

Turn Off your Water

By turning off your water, it ensures that you won’t come home to water damage. Appliances malfunction when you least expect it and if the water is turned off there is no chance your water heater or pipes will leak.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of West Brevard is locally owned and operated so we are part of Viera and Rockledge, Florida community too. When you have a fire, flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. As fire and water damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.  Please call (321) 953-8600.