You're finally planning that well-deserved holiday vacation from Ozone Park, NY. You want to make sure things stay safe while you're gone. Storage units are perfect for securing valuables, but how do you winter-proof things back at the house?
10-Step Winter Proof Checklist
Start Inside
Have the furnace inspected by a certified HVAC technician. Change the filters and program the thermostat before you leave.
Use Surge Protectors
If winter weather knocks out your home's electricity, a power surge could damage your valuable gadgets. Use surge protectors to minimize the risk to TVs, computers, and stereos.
Close the Damper
Cold air seeping down the chimney chills the house and fires up the furnace. Keep out winter humidity and save money by closing the fireplace damper and doors.
Pull the Drapes
This is another easy way to keep freezing temperatures from creeping into your home. Close the window blinds and pull and secure the drapes.
Declutter Your Garage
If it's vulnerable to winter damp, it's not safe in the garage. Move boxed belongings and lawn equipment to secure, climate controlled self storage (heated and air conditioned).
Wrap Outdoor Pipes
Don't let frozen burst pipes ruin your holiday vacation homecoming. Keep exterior plumbing from freezing by wrapping it with foam insulation sealed with weather-proof tape.
Protect Hoses and Faucets
Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Use faucet cover protectors to shield the fixtures from snow and ice. You can also wrap them with the same insulation you use on the pipes.
Check the Gutters
Winter storms can overflow gutters and leave the roof edge covered with ice dams. A little time on the ladder now can save expensive damage to shingles and soffits while you're on vacation.
Keep Critters Out
Squirrels, roof rats, and opossums love to nest in warm attics. Keep them out of your house by making sure gables, vents, and flashing are secure.
Trim the Trees
High winds can snap bare branches and send them crashing through windows. Cut back limbs so that trees don't bang against walls or scrape the roof. This helps keeps critters at bay too.
You're Ready to Go
As you hit the holiday vacation road, enjoy taking peace of mind with you. It feels good to know your things are safe in self storage and your home can handle the coldest winter. Here at Safeguard, we're glad to do our part with secure storage units that always make it easy to head out the door. What are you waiting for? Rent a storage unit in Ozone Park, NY, today!