Tips For Snowbirds from New Era, MI

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

This frozen water puddle was caused by a pipe break in a bathroom.

"Snowbirds" refer to persons that leave their homes temporarily for another climate, typically three to six months out of the year.  Before heading south, make sure to check out these useful tips to help reduce your chances of a loss in your New Era home:

• Secure all water sources - turn off faucets throughout the house.  Check drains to make sure they are open and ready to drain if necessary.  Turn off the supply valve of water to toilets and washing machines.  Turning the main water supply valve off is an extra precaution that can be taken.
• Set thermostats - turn down the temperature during the winter months but not completely off.  A good temperature is around 55° to keep pipes from freezing.
• Unplug electrical appliances and computers - power outages and/or power surges may cause undue stress on electric equipment.  Do not unplug refrigerators though.
• Check smoke detectors - make sure they are in working order and have fresh batteries.  Each detector should have a test button on it.
• Hot water heater - you may want to turn off the circuit breaker that's connected to the hot water heater to save energy.
• Designate a "checker" - choose a friend, family member, or neighbor to check on your home weekly.

These homeowners did not follow these useful tips and suffered major damage to their home while they were in Florida.  A pipe broke in their upstairs bathroom affecting three levels of their home.  Water took out the furnace making water puddles freeze on the ceiling.

If your home sustains a loss while away, call SERVPRO of Muskegon, 231-733-7601, we are Faster to any size disaster™ and help make the process a little less stressful