If you have a second home, in a warmer climate, you’re probably starting to think about heading that direction soon. Before you go, make sure your home is safe from burglars, pests, and water damage.

1. Make It Look Like You’re Home

   To discourage prying eyes, use timers on couple of interior and exterior lights, and close curtains to make it harder to see in. Don’t forget to put a hold on your mail and newspaper, and have a friend or neighbor swing by to pick up flyers or packages that might be left on the porch or at the door regularly.

   Nothing says “we’re not home” like piles of leaves or old snow in your driveway or walkway days after a storm. If you live in an area that gets snow over the winter, schedule someone to plow your driveway and shovel your walkways while you’re away. You may want to clean your home’s gutters and drains also, to ensure that water won’t freeze, causing damage to your roof.

2. Keep water where it belongs

   -Installing an a water leak detection/prevention system to alert you via alarm or smart phone of a leak

   -Consider shutting off your water supply if you will be away from home for an extended period of time.

3. Be ready for emergencies

   Before you leave, have a plan in place. A list of who to call if there is a burglary, water leak, or if a tree falls… Be sure to let your security company know you’ll be gone. This last bit seems obvious be even I forget to do it.

4. Turn off electronics and appliances

   If you’re not around, why spend money on electricity? Unplug computers, coffee pots, TVs and other electronics, and turn off washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. You should empty, clean out your refrigerator. Leave baking soda inside and turn off the ice maker and empty the ice bin.

5. Make it sound like you’re home

   If you have a landline telephone, turn the ringer off or forward your calls to your other location.

6. Don’t let the house get too cold

   While you want to save money on your energy bills, set your thermostat no lower than 65° F, and consider installing a temperature monitor that will notify you if the temperature in your home drops below a certain level. This can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

7. Keep the critters and others out

   Close the chimney flue to keep out squirrels, bats, or birds. Lock all windows and doors and trim back brush and hedges from your home, so that burglars can’t hide while they try to break in. If you have a sliding glass door, install slide locks so it can’t be pried open, a thick wooden rod works nicely.

8. Store artwork

   If you have collectibles in your home, you may want to have them professionally stored while you’re away, as changes in temperature and humidity can cause damage to some art and antiques.

9. Update your inventory

   Take photos of high-value items in your home and take a complete inventory of what you have.