Seasonal homes are more susceptible to damage during the winter months because they are often unoccupied. Take precautions to ensure your property is out of harm's way. Contact us to make sure you have adequate coverage.

Prevent water damage and ensure protection: When water freezes in pipes, they burst easily, leaving you with an expensive and time-consuming cleanup.

• Heat the structure at or above 58 degrees.
• Turn off the water supply to the home and properly drain all systems and appliances of water.

Minimize chances of theft:

• Remove or hide valuables like stereos, televisions, tools and media.
• Forward all mail to your permanent address and pay bills associated with your seasonal home through the winter months.
• Notify your newspaper carrier that you would like to suspend delivery. A buildup of mail lets thieves know the home is unoccupied, and mail is an excellent source of information that can be used for identity theft.
• Ask a local resident to stop by once in awhile to check for break ins or other problems.

Protect home and personal property:

• Store patio furniture, tools and yard maintenance equipment in a locked storage shed or garage to avoid theft and damage.
• Winterize and store your boat indoors before the first freeze. Remove the entire dock from the water and store it on shore as far from the water as possible.
• Rake all leaves and debris away from the foundation of the home. Plant matter creates a cozy nesting place for rodents and allows ice to build up where it can damage the building.
• Clean your gutters so rain water and melted snow drains far from your foundation. You may want to invest in gutter covers if you aren't able to visit your vacation home regularly.
• Trim all tree limbs hanging over the home and/or power lines.

Prevent animal infestation:

• Take any food to your primary residence or store food properly so mice cannot find it.
• Look for small entry ways into the building and barricade them from rodents. Start by covering the chimney tightly so birds and raccoons cannot enter, and block holes in the foundation and around gutters where small animals can get in.

Click here for a seasonal home winterizing checklist.

Information from Secura Insurance.