During this time of the year the northeastern part of the United States is still battling freezing cold temperatures along with snow and ice. Who can blame us if we dream about taking a break and escape to a warm and sunny location, even if it’s just for a week or two. But before you pack your bags and drive to Florida, hop on a flight to California or another warm-weather location make sure to winterize your home so you won’t come back to the unpleasant surprise of burst pipes or a break-in.

Before rushing out the door:

1. Make sure your house is locked at all entry points. High quality locks for your doors and windows are a must.
2. Install slide locks on sliding glass doors.
3. Make it look like someone is in the house in the evening. It’s easy to do with timers that are set to turn on lights automatically at different times.
4. Arrange for a neighbor or snow removal service to clear snow from your driveway, sidewalk and walkway.
5. Leave your thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher to avoid frozen pipes.
6. Shut off water to the washing machine and dishwasher to avoid leaks and broken hoses while you’re away.
7. Shut off outdoor faucets to prevent freezing damage.
8. Give an emergency key to a relative, friend or trusted neighbor and ask them to keep an eye on your home and also be available in case of an emergency. During extreme cold weather have them also check for ice dams.
9. Leave a list with contact information for local service companies (electrician, locksmith, plumber, etc.) you trust and have worked with before.
10. Do not post your vacation plans on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Criminals are looking for this type of information on social media sites.

With these precautions in place you don’t have to worry about your property and can enjoy your winter getaway.

Jim is a Connecticut licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience. He’ll help you get the right locks for your Connecticut home. Simply email or give him a call at 860-678-9797.