Homes are the dwellings we stay in and sometimes have to be left unoccupied for some time. The home left during a vacation or holiday must be secure and safe. This usually calls for a thorough inspection before closing the house. This should not be rushed as gross mistakes can be disastrous. The imagination of fire or water flooding a home can be very traumatizing. This should be done for a period of minimum one week to achieve the desired results. precautions should be done for all utilities in a home.
The building to be left during vacation has various building elements. This elements include roofs, doors, windows, faucets, electrical, gas and also water systems. This can cause hazards when left on and unattended. The faucets ideally should have check valves. This are for stopping water within a sink or bathtub without turning off the mains. if they are not available ensure the gate valves are all closed. This also includes the turning off the mains. This prevents water overflowing the overhead tanks or spilling over bathtubs with plugs left in.
Electrical facilities should be turned off before leaving the home for vacation. The only system to be left on is the security system. This usually has a bypass over from the mains to power the equipment. this must be tested by triggering the system. It can be done by trying to fumble with locks or windows and checking if the alarm turns on. all other electrical equipment should be disconnected from the sockets to avoid electricity leaks. The home owner should ensure electrical bills are paid to avoid disconnection when away on vacation.
Other areas to check in the house are gas connections. This should also be turned off from the mains. The roof should also be checked for any possible leaks and repairs undertaken. The garbage or rubbish should be removed from the home. This can cause pests and rodents to invade the home. It is also good to have a trustworthy neighbor to leave with a key in case of emergency and make inspections. The rain water gutters and down pipes should all be unclogged and left clean. This will allow after to drain off the roofs freely.