Force 1 Restoration Services - Force 1 shares fire and water damage preventions at homes during vacations

Force 1 Restoration: Preparing the house for vacations to prevent water and fire damage

Tips to prevent water and fire damage during vacations

Vacations are a time of fun, frolic, and relaxation. There is a lot of planning that goes into deciding a destination, the itinerary, and the budget. But there is one thing that vacationers must plan before they leave home - prepare their homes for their absence. Force 1 Restoration shares the tips vacationers must take to protect their homes from water and fire damage while they are away.

Water damage prevention tips

Returning from a vacation with great memories and experiences should not end with a flooding situation at home. To ensure that the vacation ends on a wonderful note, homeowners must take the following steps to avoid any water damage in their absence.

Switch off the water supply

The best defense against flooding in the house is turning off the main water supply. In cases of a burst pipe or other plumbing failure, the closed valves in the supply lines prevent any major leaks or damage in the property owner's absence.

Check the sump pump

Make sure the sump pump is functioning properly before leaving town. In case of a major storm, a failed sump pump entails returning to a flooded basement or crawlspace. Before leaving, check the pump by dumping a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump doesn’t kick on, it needs a plumber.

If there is a power outage, a battery-powered backup source will ensure the sump pump continues to operate.

Check for potential leaks

Inspect the pipes under all sinks; cracks and rust on water heaters; weakened window seals; and dislodged or damaged roof shingles. Repair the smallest damage to ensure there are no potential leaks when the house is uninhabited. Replace standard rubber washing machine hoses with hoses made of stainless-steel mesh. Recaulk the seals and replace the shingles, if required.

Insulate

Add insulation to exposed water pipes to prevent freezing in winters. Foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that fit right over the pipes can be procured from hardware stores. Covering the outdoor spigots with bib protectors also helps. Leaving the heat on low during vacation also prevents freezing pipes.

Clean and unblock

Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to ensure efficient stormwater drainage.

Prevent debris

Cover basement window wells to block drainage-inhibiting debris from accumulating.

Ask for help

Informing a friend or a friendly neighbor to inspect and take care of the house is a great idea. This ensures that someone knows the house is empty and special attention needs to be paid.

Fire damage prevention tips

When a house is left alone, there are multiple ways a fire can be ignited by some overlooked electrical issues or combustible materials. Before locking the home to leave for a vacation, homeowners must take care of the following things to prevent any potential fire damage in their absence.

Test smoke detectors

Check the smoke detectors regularly every month, and especially a day before leaving. Just press the “Test” button on each alarm. Early detection by smoke detectors and a notification to the fire department can protect the property from complete fire damage. Installing additional smoke detectors in the house ensures nothing goes undetected.

Unplug electronics

Most electrical fires occur due to worn-out sockets or faulty cords, switches, and receptacles. Inspect all electronics and appliances for damaged cords, frayed wires, and wires with surge marks. Unplugging the electronics and appliances can prevent an electrical fire in the event of a power surge. Inspect the plug and wiring of large appliances that need to be left switched on like the refrigerator.

Remove the firewood and leaves

Firewood and leaves lying too close to the house can become kindling for any grass fire nearby. Dump hot ashes in a metal container at a good distance from the garage and house. Hire a professional landscaping company or a friend to mow the lawn during the vacation. A well-maintained lawn helps prevent grass fires from moving into the house.

Store combustible materials safely

Flammable items such as cosmetics and fuels are hazardous when exposed to a large heat source. Store these items in safe designated spaces and in original containers to prevent damage in the event of combustion.

Furnace maintenance

The natural gas furnace should be serviced by a licensed ventilation and heating professional. The area around the furnace should be cleaned to prevent leaks and pipe blockages (both of which could result in an explosion). A vacuum cleaner can be used to keep the site free from debris, dust, and dirt. All smoking materials should be extinguished and discarded safely. Disposing of these materials in plant pots or the ground is dangerous as it can smolder for days before igniting a fire.

Ask for help

Informing a friend or a friendly neighbor to inspect and take care of the house is a great idea. This ensures that someone knows the house is empty and special attention needs to be paid.

Follow these preventive tips to ensure the safety of the house and a relaxing and peaceful vacation. For water and fire damage restoration services, contact Force 1 Restorations Services.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.