ERIE,
Pa., Dec. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Each
year thousands of Americans pack up and go out of town over the
holiday season - the majority traveling at least 50 miles from
home. Whether you are planning a tropical getaway or a visit to see
relatives, being away from home and out of your routine
can expose you and your unattended home to theft and
other unwelcomed incidents.
Protect yourself from some worst-case scenarios by keeping
these eight tips from Erie Insurance in mind.
- Share your itinerary: Let a few trusted people
know where you are going and when. They will more than likely text
you if they need to reach you, but you should still email the
rundown of your travel plans, including departure and arrival
dates, flight numbers and times, and a contact number
where you'll be staying.
- Take care of deliveries: Don't forget to have
something done about your mail. If a neighbor can collect it daily,
that's an easy way to keep tabs on your place.
Otherwise, simply request that the postal
service hold it for you.
- Don't forget snow removal: Nothing screams "No
one's home!" like a driveway heaping with untouched snow. Hire
someone to come by and remove the snow and ask a neighbor
to pull up and turn around in your driveway from time to time, just
to leave tracks.
- Lights: What's the easiest way to deter burglars? Make
them doubt that they're working with an empty house. Invest in a
set of timers to switch on lamps at various time. Also, leave a
radio tuned to a talk radio station—the sound of voices coming from
inside could help deter a burglar.
- Thermostat: If you have a pet-free house, you can
lower the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warm
enough to keep things from freezing, but cool enough to give
your furnace and energy usage a break.
- Water: Should a pipe burst or even
leak while you're gone, it could slowly empty water right into
your basement and damage appliances, furniture and much more.
Turn off the water main in your home before you leave and drain the
pipes by flushing the toilets and turning on the faucets. Also turn
your water heater down to "vacation mode" so you aren't spending
money on keeping water warm when you're not around.
- Electronics: Unplug everything that will not be in
use while you're away, including your washer and dryer, television,
computer, toaster and coffee maker. Appliances can suck energy
when they're plugged in and not in use.
- Winter kit: Since a winter storm can hit with
little warning, it's a good idea to round up a few items to
store in your trunk should you get stranded or stuck. Consider
a sleeping bag, fresh water, non-perishable snacks, boots, jumper
cables, shovel, a plastic jug filled with sand or cat litter, and a
red bandanna.
Keeping these tips in mind before you travel this holiday season
will help you, and your home stay safe. It's also a good time to
check in with your insurance agent to be sure that all your
valuables are covered. Find a local ERIE agent to help you get the right
coverage with the options you need.
About Erie
Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based
in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 11th
largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and
13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums
written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company
and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net
premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force
and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more
information are available on ERIE's website at
www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group