Labor Day weekend is one of the last opportunities to fit in a summer trip, visit family or simply get away for a few days.
Unfortunately, an empty home can be more vulnerable to break-ins, leaks and storm damage. The good news is that a few simple checks before you leave can greatly reduce the chances of coming home to an unpleasant surprise.
Here’s a practical checklist to work through before you lock the door.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
You don’t need to create an elaborate illusion. The aim is simply to avoid making it obvious that nobody is home.
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Pause your mail and deliveries, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them. Packages left by the door and an overflowing mailbox can draw attention to an empty house.
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Put a couple of lights on timers so they come on naturally during the evening.
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Lock every door and window, including the garage service door, back doors and side gates.
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Wait until you return to share vacation photos. Posting your location in real time can let more people than intended know that your home is empty.
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Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things. If you’re comfortable doing so, they could occasionally park in your driveway or move your trash bins.
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Set your alarm and check that any security cameras or video doorbells are connected, charged and working properly.
Help Prevent Water Damage
A leaking appliance or burst hose can cause extensive damage when nobody is there to notice it.
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Consider shutting off the main water supply if you’ll be away for several days. First check whether doing so could affect appliances, irrigation systems or fire-protection equipment in your home.
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Look at the hoses connected to your washing machine and water heater. Bulging, cracking or other visible wear may mean it’s time to replace them.
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Check under sinks and around appliances for any signs of an existing drip or slow leak.
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Remove food that could spoil if there were a power interruption while you were away.
These checks only take a few minutes, but they could prevent a small problem from becoming a major one.
Reduce Fire and Electrical Risks
Before leaving, take a quick walk through the house and switch off anything that doesn’t need to remain on.
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Unplug small appliances and heat-producing items, including coffee makers, toasters, hair tools and unnecessary chargers.
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Clean the dryer lint trap and avoid leaving the washer, dryer or dishwasher running as you head out.
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Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Use the vacation setting on your water heater, if the manufacturer recommends one.
Prepare for Texas Weather
Texas weather can change quickly, and Labor Day arrives during hurricane season along the coast and a time when strong thunderstorms can still affect other parts of the state.
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Check the forecast for home as well as your destination.
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Secure outdoor furniture, grills, toys and trampolines that could be moved or damaged by high winds.
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Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so rainwater can drain away properly.
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Arrange professional help for unsafe branches near your roof or power lines. Never attempt to trim anything close to electrical lines yourself.
Do a Quick Insurance Check
You don’t need to read your entire policy before every trip, but it helps to understand the basics.
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Take photographs or record a quick video walkthrough of each room and your valuable belongings. Keep the recording somewhere you can access away from home.
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Know your deductible and how your policy may respond to theft, water damage and temporary living expenses.
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Save your insurance agent’s number in your phone so it’s easy to find if something happens while you’re away.
Coverage varies between policies, so speak with your agent if you’re unsure what applies to your home.
Short on Time? Do These Five Things
If you’re already packing the car, focus on these:
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Lock all doors and windows and set the alarm.
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Check for leaks and consider turning off the main water supply.
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Put a couple of lights on timers.
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Pause the mail and arrange for packages to be collected.
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Unplug small appliances that don’t need to remain on.
Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!
If you have questions about your current protection, call Thumann Insurance Agency at 972-991-9100. Our team will be happy to review your coverage.