Page 5 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Winter 2020

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Winterize Your Summer Home with These 9 Best Practices
For New Yorkers, November marks the unofficial start of winter. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed snowbird who’s planning to head south or the proud owner of a summer cabin or lake house, it’s important to prepare your property before leaving it vacant during the winter months. To help you protect your summer home and save money in the process, AAA Northway and NYCM Insurance have teamed up to put together a list of best practices for winterizing your home.
START WITH A LIST
Grab a pen and paper or open a note-taking app on your phone and start a to-do list. Walk around your home, both inside and out, and take note of everything you need to do before closing up for the summer. Having a list will ensure nothing gets forgotten.
PREPARE THE KITCHEN
Clean out the refrigerator and empty the pantry of food. Put away any items that could be a snack for bugs or vermin such as soap, sponges and trash.
SHUT OFF WATER
One of the most important steps in winterizing your summer home is shutting off the main water line. Turning off the water to the home will help you avoid damage that could be caused by frozen pipes.
UNPLUG APPLIANCES
Electrical appliances continuously draw power, even when they are turned off. Save yourself money and reduce the risk of fire by unplugging all electrical appliances before heading out for the winter.
COOL IT DOWN
No one will be living in your home so you don’t have to worry about keeping it a comfortable temperature. Turn the thermostat down to save yourself money. Just be sure to keep it above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to keep pipes from freezing.
FEND OFF NEIGHBORING CRITTERS
Keep small animals such as squirrels and birds from entering your home by sealing your chimney. It also helps to do a once-over of your foundation and take care of problem areas.
CLEAN, CLEAN AND CLEAN SOME MORE
If you’re planning to leave clothing or other cloth items such as bedding and towels in your home, make sure to wash them and store them in rodent- proof containers. Leave drawers open to air them out and wipe down all surfaces. This will deter vermin and also make your return to your summer home much more relaxing and enjoyable.
CHECK UP ON YOUR HOME
Keep an eye on your home, even when you’re not there. If possible, ask a family member or trustworthy neighbor to occasionally check up on your property. You also may consider investing in a home security system that will allow you to use an app to keep an eye on things.
STAY PROTECTED
Ask your AAA Northway agent about a home insurance policy from NYCM Insurance to protect your home from the inside out and give yourself complete peace of mind.
For more helpful articles on winter preparation, auto tips, lifestyle hacks and more, visit blog.nycm.com.
Article provided by NYCM Insurance, 1899 Central Plaza E, Edmeston, NY 13335
Designed for deer and falling snow,
we’re proud to offer Auto Insurance made for New York.
Contact your AAA Northway agent or visit nycm.com/auto to learn more about an auto policy
from NYCM Insurance.
WINTER 2020
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