Beyond Burglary – Other Dangers During A Vacation
Burglary is one of the things people worry about most while on vacation. This is a valid concern since thieves prefer meeting the least resistance while breaking into houses, and unoccupied houses provide them with this opportunity. However, there are other threats that you should be concerned about while on vacation. Here are three examples:
Electrical Malfunctions
A typical home is filled with expensive electrical equipment; things like computers, home theaters, projectors, and television sets are all costly to replace. These are things that can easily be damaged, even beyond repair, by electrical malfunctions.
For example, a power surge (a temporary spike in electricity) can "fry" your entertainment system and render it useless. Power surges usually occur when the power comes back after a blackout. If you are at home, you can prevent such damages by unplugging your electronic equipment when the power goes off or the lights start to flicker, but that won't be possible if you are away. Prevent losses related to power fluctuations by unplugging all your electronic equipment before leaving for vacation.
Burst Plumbing Pipes
If you have scheduled your vacation during the cold season, you should be aware of the threat of frozen plumbing pipes. This happens because, when temperatures reach freezing point, the water inside the pipes freeze and expands. This can lead to burst pipes, flooding, and related water damage when the temperatures rise again.
Take these measures to prevent such damage:
- Seal all air leaks before you leave; such leaks let in cold air that can freeze the pipes.
- Insulate exposed pipes so that they can stay warm.
- Shut off the main water valve and drain the system (by opening all the faucets) so that there is nothing in the pipes to freeze.
- Leave your cabinet doors open so that the pipes running into the kitchen can stay warm.
Fire
Fire is one of the most damaging things if you are away since it has the potential to destroy everything—literally. Although cooking fires are responsible for most residential fires, there are other things that can still set your house on fire while you are away. Take these precautions to reduce the risk of fire:
- Unplug all heating equipment, such as space heaters.
- Unplug electrical appliances since they may malfunction and cause an electrical fire.
- Turn off the water heater
In addition to reducing the risk of fire, you should also install fire suppressants and detectors. That way, even if a fire starts, an alert can sound off, and the suppressant will work to minimize the damage.
If an accident does occur, inform your homeowner's insurance carrier as soon as possible and follow the claim process keenly. Of course, this will only be possible if your insurance coverage doesn't lapse during your vacation; so don't forget to confirm that you are up to date on your coverage before leaving for vacation. Contact a company like DJM Insurance Agency for more homeowners safety tips.
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