Millions of homes are left unattended during an extended period of time each year. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, have rental property that is unoccupied, or share time between two homes, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep your home safe and protected before leaving for any significant length of time.
An eighth-inch crack can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, wrecking floors, furniture and keepsakes.
No one knows when disaster might strike. Whether it is caused by the natural elements or a pipe decides to spring a leak unexpectedly, not taking the proper steps to safeguard your home could cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has developed several tips you can take to help properly protect your unoccupied home.
• Adjust the thermostat – in colder climates adjust the temperature to 55 degrees. This will keep pipes
from freezing. In warmer climates adjust the air conditioning to 85 degrees to protect against humidity.
• Protect Plumbing – if leaving for an extended period of time, the best protection is to have the water
shut off and the water lines drained. Shut off the gas to the water heater, or turn the
temperature control to a “vacation” setting. If a house has a water softener, shut off its supply line.
Remember, if the house has a fire protection sprinkler system, it will be deactivated if the water is shut
off.
• Protect Active Water – insulate the pipes, turn off the water supply to individual fixtures, don’t leave
appliances running and make sure the sump pump is working properly.
• Plan for Hail and High Winds – trim dead vegetation around the house, close and lock all doors,
windows and skylights, install hurricane shutters, and bring in patio furniture.
It is important to stay on top of both internal and external routine home maintenance. Inspecting the roof, cleaning the gutters and downspouts, flushing the water heater and sealing cracks around all pipes will help protect your home year-round.
I like this. Question though... what is the best way to get a clean water supply in a disaster?
Posted by: MRE | June 30, 2009 at 10:31 AM