In a previous article we shared tips on how to prepare for safe RVing in the winter cold.  If you're a "Snowbird" that's getting ready to fly to a warmer climate for the winter, here are some important tips for securing your home while you're away.

Create a Checklist

The checklist will come in handy when you return home to help you remember all the things that will need to be reversed.

 

Have a Contact Person

Ask a friend, neighbor, or relative to be the contact person for your home.   If you can trust your neighbors completely, you may wish to leave them with a key for emergency entry if something should go wrong. Also leave them with your cellphone number, home phone number, e-mail address or any other alternative ways to reach you while you are living elsewhere or traveling.

The contact person should have access to your home.  Have them check your home on a regular basis to ensure that any problems that may pop up are taken care of.   A weekly check should be enough to maintain the home in your absence.   If you can trust your neighbors completely, leave them with a key for emergency entry if something should go wrong. Also leave them with your cellphone number, home phone number, e-mail address or any other alternative ways to reach you while you are living elsewhere or traveling..  Your time away will be much more enjoyable if you know that your home and belongings are in good hands!

 

Turn off the water at the main supply point.

This is probably the most important item in preparing your home for an extended absence.  Even a little water leak can create a lot of damage in a short time.

If you don't know how to do this, find out where the main (inside) shut off valve is. Turn off the supply line to the washing machine hose. These hoses are a bit flimsy and can burst while you're away. If nobody is using the home during the entire period of winter, make sure that the water supply is turned off completely at the mains.

Drain all water that can be drained.

If you live in an area where freezing pipes can be a problem, drain toilets, water heater (turn off gas or electric supply first) and if on a well and pump system, the expansion tank. You'll also need to completely eliminate or dilute the water in drain traps by pouring an "RV" type antifreeze solution in them as directed by the instructions.

RV antifreeze is commonly used to protect pipes from freezing in RVs and mobile homes; this antifreeze is a type that is safe for use in and around drinking water systems when used as directed. Never pour "regular" automotive antifreeze in the locations listed here.

 

Turn off the water heater before you drain it. Drain water from a pump by using its drain plug. For dishwashers, refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and clothes washers, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Remove and empty any "whole house" or "in line" type filter canister. Remove any water filter inside refrigerator. If you find the task daunting, get a local plumber to do it for you.

Close the sink and tub drains.

If your house is going to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilet’s trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet’s lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.

Deal with your septic system if you have one . Drain the water storage tank and consult a local plumber to learn if the septic system should also be drained.

Drain spas, swimming pools, birdbaths and ponds of water.

 

Plug any Holes in the Eaves or Walls

You want to prevent any entry point for creatures seeking warmth and a nice home for the winter; otherwise, you may have a surprise when you return that may include babies.

 

Check that all holes and cracks in exterior walls and foundations and around pipes that penetrate the exterior walls are sealed; otherwise they are entry points for rodents and insects.

Rodents and birds can also gain entry via stovepipes and chimneys so these must be secured as well. Shut your fireplace dampers and cap the chimneys. A #10 can (large coffee can) may be used to cap an open stovepipe (the kind that on top takes the shape of a T or an H), but a chimney should be capped with a permanent, stainless steel cap with wire mesh venting. Close flues and dampers.

 

Prepare the kitchen

Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.  Do not leave anything that could go bad.

Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Prop the doors open to prevent mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator’s plastic parts.

Turn off the icemaker and loosen refrigerator bulbs.

To further thwart odors, place an open bag of charcoal on the inside of the open refrigerator.

If the electricity is off for an extended period of time, you won't be aware if the food may have thawed and refrozen, which can be very dangerous. If you have to leave frozen food, freeze a container of water solid, then place a coin on the surface of the ice.  If the coin has sunk into the ice when you return, then the freezer warmed, letting the ice melt and then refreeze.

 

Remove all food.

All foods should be removed so they don’t lure rodents and insects. Dry foods that remain should be locked in tin- or aluminum-lined cupboards or cabinets, and seeds and grains should be stored in metal or glass containers with screw-on lids.  Wash kitchen trash containers and put away soap, sponges, candles and other possible sources of food for vermin. Spray a long-lasting insecticide along baseboards and under the sink. Place insect traps under the sink and on kitchen counters and use chemical rodent deterrents under the sink and in the garage, too.

 

Unplug All Electrical Items

The TV, VCR, microwave, toasters, dryer, washer, etc. Any charging devices should also be unplugged. This is a good idea if there is an electrical storm so that no surges get to your computers.  It will also reduce the risk of fire in the event f a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing through the wires.

 

Protect the Garden and Outdoor Plants

Cover any plants that are frost intolerant and would benefit from covering.

Trim shrubbery so doors and windows are not blocked from view (better security). Arrange to have the lawn mowed and shrubbery trimmed.

If possible, cut tree limbs and branches that overhang the house—they offer rodents easy access to the home’s roof and eaves from which they have easier access to a home.

 

Bring in Outdoor Items

Furniture, hammocks, seats, delicate garden ornamentation, hose pipes etc. – anything that you believe will not winter well under snow or prolonged cold should be stored indoors.  Put any ladders inside or otherwise secured.

 

Security Measures

Lock it up!

High quality locks for your doors and windows are a must! Check that all your windows and doors are shut and locked. This includes checking the small attic, bathroom, and basement windows. Close skylights and ventilation shafts.

If in a damp, humid climate, periodically lubricate pin tumbler locks with white lithium grease; using anything else will cause the mechanisms to gum up over time.

Secure the doors. Strike plates and door hinges should be secured with wood screws at least three inches long.

Close window shutters. Aside from enhancing security, shutters will, along with drapes, blinds and curtains, keep carpeting and fabrics from fading.

Unplug garage door openers.

 

Do Not Leave Valuables That May Attract Thieves

At the very least, move them out of the line of sight from windows.   Take all small valuables with you.  Lock up any sporting items like ATVs, bicycles, canoes, boats etc.  in a garage or shed with good locks.  Block any window views into the space.  

 

Secure Your Mail

Receiving your mail in a timely manner can be a major concern for Snowbirds, full-timers, and other RVers who plan to be on the road for an extended period of time. Arrange with your local postal service to have your mail forwarded to a mailing forwarding address.

You can do this online at USPS, Canada Post etc., using their hold mail sites; or, go to your local post office and ask them for a form. A small fee may apply.  Stop any other routine deliveries as well.

 

Check Back-up Systems

 

If an electronic alarm system is used, make certain that back-up batteries (if any) are in good condition and able to provide coverage in the event of power interruption; you may want to consider other standby power options as well. If the alarm system is monitored, don’t forget to inform the security company of your date of departure and tell them where you can be reached in an emergency. Give the same information to the local police and fire departments.

Check your smoke alarms to make sure they are working and have fresh batteries.

 

Check any outdoor security lights to make sure that the motion sensors are working correctly.

 

Check Your Insurance Policy

Due to the increased potential for something to go wrong (for example, burst water pipes, leaking gas heating systems, etc.), insurance companies can be tough on requirements. Ask about special requirements for vacation homes and for homes vacant due to traveling or “snowbirding” elsewhere.