How to avoid household disasters when you’re on holiday
Published on Wed Aug 15 2018 in Lifestyle
It seems like there are a million things to do before heading out on a holiday. But no matter how long your to-do list may be, taking care of your home is likely a top priority. Taking a few steps before hitting the road could go a long way towards keeping your house securing and in one piece whilst you’re away.
Here are five common household disasters, and ways to help prevent them during your next holiday.
1. Prevent a break-in
An empty house can be an invitation to thieves. Whilst most homeowners remember to lock the doors and windows before they go, it may be wise to take further precautions before a long holiday. This might include things like attaching timers to lamps and exterior lighting to make it look like someone is home or temporarily removing any spare keys hidden outside. It might also help to think like a criminal. Consider some of the ways robbers break in to homes, and take steps to make these areas of your house less attractive to would-be thieves.
2. Turn off the water supply
A small leak could quickly turn into a major issue, especially if no one is home to deal with it. Turning off the water supply to your home could help prevent disaster should the water line break or pipes freeze. Closing the valve to the main line will stop the water supply to the house. That way, if the line breaks, water will not continue to rush in. This could help prevent flooding, mould growth or more serious structural issues from developing.
3. Unplug everything
There are thousands of house fires in New Zealand1 each year, with faulty appliances or electrical wiring being one of the top causes. A power surge whilst you’re away could spark a fire that may not be noticed until it’s too late. Unplugging appliances and electronics—and switching off the wall sockets—could help prevent this from happening. Whilst it may not be practical to unplug everything (like the fridge, dishwasher or washing machine), taking care of most electronics is a safe and easy action.
4. Seal animal-sized entry points
Animals can get into homes in surprising ways. Small holes and cracks—sometimes smaller than the animal’s body—could be an entry point for rodents, bats, bees or wasps. Once inside, they can build a nest, cause damage, or become trapped and die. To avoid coming home to animal invaders, do an exterior check and take measures to fix issues. This might include securing metal screens over vents, caulking around windows or replacing roofing materials.
5. Get a tree check
The weather may be nice at your holiday destination, but it might not be so mild back home. Extreme weather, such as heavy rain or strong winds, can uproot trees or break branches. No one wants to find a tree through their roof, especially when returning from a trip. Before you go, you may want to consult with a professional arborist. They can post issues you may not see and help with trimming branches or removing troubled trees.
Now that your home is prepped for holiday, check out these tips for staying safe whilst travelling.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
1. Cavius, Fatal New Zealand House Fires all start the same way
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