TOPIC: Homeowners safety while on vacation

For many, the winter months are a welcome time to escape the short days and chilly temperatures by heading on vacation. And is there a better way to celebrate the end of winter than to take a spring break?

Whether you’re going to hang out at in the mountains, bask on a sunny, white-sand beach in the Caribbean or hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, you have to take precautions to ensure your home stays safe while you’re away. After all, what could be worse than returning from a relaxing break or an active adventure to find a disaster has occurred, such as a break-in, or water or fire damage?

To ensure your vacation doesn’t end in tragedy, follow these tips before you go.

• Check for any leaks and fix them. For example, ensure your refrigerator icemaker is not leaking!
• Set your heater at approximately 50 degrees to ensure pipes and appliances don’t freeze. But if you have pets and they are going to be in the house, set it closer to 72 degrees.
• If you have pets, make arrangements for their comfort and safety: either board them or have a friend come over daily to care for them.
• Turn furnace and hot water heaters down.
• Unplug all appliances, such as coffeemakers, toasters and exercise equipment.
• Leave a light or two on so the house doesn’t appear deserted at night.
• Lower blinds and close curtains so that passers-by can’t view your valuables.
• Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can enter the home in case of emergency.
• Have a friend or neighbor bring in newspapers and mail or cancel delivery for both during the time when you’ll be away.

If you have the opportunity to get away this winter or for spring break, we wish you happy trails, and hope you come home to a safe and welcoming home!

Contact Us!

At the Wickstrand Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 757-417-6501 or send us a note at info@wickstrandins.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Here’s what customers are saying about Safeco Insurance®

“I teach Communications Skills and Leadership Development . . . You all deserve an A+. What began as a daunting experience ended up with elevated hopes of getting my damaged, cold home back together. The furnace is being installed even as I write this note. I have never had a positive experience quite like this. On a scale from 1-10? How about 150?”
Safeco customer, L.M.

Some content provided by Safeco Insurance