As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners are excited to escape for celebration and quality time with family and friends; however, leaving your home unattended with looming severe weather ready to strike this winter season can leave you worrying. Whether your area is expecting heavy rains, winter storms, or strong winds, taking the time to secure your property against the elements is the key to establishing peace of mind before you lock the door and head on your next getaway. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is protected against severe weather, even when you’re not there.

  1. Clear Your Gutters: Before you leave, take the time to inspect your roof and clear the gutters of debris to prevent water buildup that could lead to leaks or water damage.
  2. Secure Windows and Doors: Check that all windows and doors are closed and tightly sealed to ensure that your home’s interior is protected from heavy rains and potential water damage. If you’re aware of a storm forecast during your absence, use plywood or install storm shutters to board up vulnerable windows to provide an extra layer of protection against rain and flying debris.
  3. Maintain Your Yard: If you have trees or large shrubs near your home, prune and trim any branches that could break off during a storm to reduce the risk of broken windows and damage to the property’s exterior.
  4. Unplug Electrical Appliances: Go around the house and unplug non-essential electronics to protect against power surges caused by storms, especially combustible battery chargers, countertop appliances, and older devices. This step can prevent potential electrical fires and circuitry damage, as well as save energy while you’re away.
  5. Set the Right Temperature: If you live in an area susceptible to extreme temperatures, adjusting your thermostat before leaving can help protect your pipes from freezing over and bursting. In winter months, the recommended thermostat settings are between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Secure Outdoor Items: Tie down any large outdoor furniture, tables, and grills, and bring portable items inside (like patio umbrellas and decorations) so that they aren’t blown away by high winds. This step both protects your belongings and reduces hazards that could affect neighboring houses.
  7. Inform a Trusted Neighbor: Let a trusted neighbor know that you’ll be away and ask if they can keep an eye on your property. Provide them with your contact information and any instructions in case of severe weather or emergencies.

 

Additional Considerations

Having the right combination of insurance coverage can help you feel better equipped to handle the aftermath of a severe weather event. Supplemental disaster insurance, like Recoop, can support you immediately after a disaster with up to $25,000 in fast and flexible funds to cover expenses like temporary housing, urgent repairs, and paying deductibles to kickstart support from your home insurance. Recoop covers a diverse range of perils including winter storms, hurricanes (with storm surge), wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, gas explosions, and dust storms.

Bracing your home for severe weather while you’re away on holiday travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering prior protection steps, you can fortify your property and minimize the potential damage of unexpected weather events. While we never want you to have to deal with the uncertainty and stress of navigating a disaster while away from home, we hope that you can feel more prepared and confident with these tips. Stay safe and happy travels!