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.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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.

Seasonal Home Winterizing Checklist

Water System

  Turn off the water heater

  Turn off the pump or shut the valve from the water line to the home.

  Drain the pressure tank.

  Flush all toilets, and remove water from the tanks.

  Drain the water heater.

  Remove and drain inlet and outlet hoses to the dishwasher and washing machine.

  Set the timer for a fill cycle on the washing machine to clear the water valve.  Alternate from hot to cold to remove water from both lines.

  Operate the valve for the dishwasher to remove water. Remove the drain hose from the pump.

  Add an RV/Marine anti-freeze solution made specifically for water plumbing systems to the toilets and sink traps.  Do not use automotive antifreeze.

Outdoor Maintenance

  Tightly cover the chimney and fill holes in the foundation to prevent animals from entering the home.

  Clean gutters, mow the lawn, and trim branches over power lines and buildings.

  Lock furniture and yard maintenance items in a shed or garage.

  Disconnect and drain hoses, and cover outdoor faucets with insulation.

  Winterize all boats.

  Remove the entire dock from the water, including pipes, and store on shore away from the water.

Heating Systems

  If you have an electric heating system, turn off the power to the unit.

  If you have a hot-air heating system, call a professional plumber to drain the humidifier and other water.

Indoor Maintenance

  Turn off the electrical power at the main breaker.

  Turn off the propane or natural gas.

  Unplug all appliances

  Empty and clean the refrigerator, and prop the door open.

  Store food in large metal containers with tight lids.

  Remove all cosmetics, cleaners, food, and medicines that contain liquid.

  Remove or hide all valuable equipment and media

  Put out several boxes of rodent poison if you feel it's necessary

  Close the blinds and curtains.

  Lock the home, garages, and sheds.

Information from Secura Insurance Companies