The Snowbird’s Guide to Winterizing Your Home

Before we know it will be that time of year to pack up and go south for the winter to escape the New England winter’s fury. Here are some tips to start thinking about before you leave for securing your home while you’re gone:

•Turn the heat down but keep it high enough so that you won’t end up with frozen pipes that could burst

•Set programmable timers for the lights and television so that it appears that you are still living in the home

•Lock all windows and doors, including the inside garage door to the house, and place steel bars in slider doors

•Give a trusted friend or neighbor a key and ask them to check the house periodically

•Arrange to have the snow cleared from your sidewalk and driveway

•Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway periodically

•Add motion-detecting security lights outside

•Make sure your gutters are cleaned to prevent ice damns damage while you’re gone