The proper steps to take before leaving the Cape can help ensure that your home remains safe. Follow this list of tips to ensure the safety and security of your Cape Cod home, whether you’re leaving for the season or even for a few days.
1. Turn off your main water valve
Cape Cod has endured some frigid winters. Water left standing in pipes in your home can freeze and burst, leaving you with an expensive and messy problem when you return. Even a small amount of freezing and thawing can cause leaks that may not become apparent until you return. The best way to avoid this is to shut off your main water valve before leaving. I recommend shutting the valve if you plan to be away for 3 days or more.
2. Check the batteries in all smoke detectors
Even if you are away, smoke detectors are loud enough to be heard by your neighbors. Some sophisticated systems will even alert local fire departments. Time is of the essence when a fire starts in your home. The faster emergency services are alerted, the less damage your property will endure. We recommend testing your smoke alarms before leaving for the season or migrating south for the winter. The test will take you 10 minutes or less but can save you thousands of dollars of heartache.
3. Disconnect any appliances from power sources to prevent damage from a power surge if the electricity goes out
Power outages are less common on the Cape than they used to be; however, they still occur, particularly during our famous Nor’easters. While checking your alarms, it’s a good idea to sweep through your kitchen area and disconnect any appliances from their outlets. Doing so will prevent sparks from starting a fire or damaging the appliance in the case of a power outage followed by a surge when the juice starts flowing again.
4. Lock doors and windows to deter burglars, squatters, and vandals
Everyone remembers to lock doors (well, usually), but homeowners frequently forget to ensure that all windows are closed and locked. Whereas even locked windows are a typical point of entry, locking them will deter the majority of burglars, squatters, and vandals who may try to enter your house. If you have time, you might consider trying to open sliding doors and windows from the outside to test the integrity of your locks.
5. Ensure all trash containers are empty
This is a detail that homeowners frequently forget about. Trash left in containers, even those that are covered, is a virtual invitation to animals to turn over and spread all over your property and your neighbors’ properties. To avoid angry phone calls from your neighbors, make sure that all trash and lawn waste that may be outside your property is hauled away before you leave. It’s a small thing that can avoid considerable embarrassment.
By the way, Liberty Siqueira provides home watch services that can take care of all 5 of these items while you’re away. We check the inside and outside of your home, looking for obvious issues, and address them as soon as possible. Contact me at rob@libertysiqueira.com to learn more.