Protect Your Home While You're Away: Water, Freezes, Storms, Mold and Security

• Find your main water shutoff before you need it, and make sure it turns.
• Many owners shut off the main and open faucets to drain the lines before a long absence. If you have a well, boiler or fire sprinklers, or aren't sure, ask a licensed plumber what's safe for your system.
• The Red Cross suggests removing, draining and storing hoses, and closing inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs.
• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine and ice maker if you're not shutting off the main.

The American Red Cross advises that if you'll be away during cold weather, you leave the heat on, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F. It also suggests opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer air can reach the plumbing, and keeping garage doors closed if water lines run there.

• Battery water-leak sensors near the water heater, washer and sinks can alert your phone or a neighbor.
• Automatic shutoff valves can close the main if they detect a leak; installation may need a plumber.
• Temperature alerts can warn you if the heat fails.
• Test the sump pump before you go, and ask about a battery backup or alarm.
• Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the foundation, as EPA recommends for preventing moisture problems.

Ready.gov's hurricane guidance starts with knowing your evacuation zone. Before you leave the southern home in spring, store patio items, check shutters, and leave a contact with a neighbor. Florida residents can buy some supplies tax-free during the state's sales tax holidays; see our Florida tax-free hurricane supplies guide.

The EPA says to keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%, and lists air conditioners and dehumidifiers as ways to reduce it. An inexpensive humidity meter can show what's happening. We haven't found an official recommended thermostat setting for an empty humid-climate home, so ask your HVAC contractor what setting or dehumidifier plan fits your home, and consider a humidity alert. EPA also recommends keeping AC drip pans clean and drain lines flowing.

• Put a few lights on timers.
• Hold or forward your mail (see our mail guide).
• Ask a trusted neighbor to check the home regularly, collect flyers and call you after storms.
• Keep the lawn or landscaping maintained.
• Lock windows, garage and sheds; don't announce your trip on social media.

• Empty the fridge and freezer, or leave them running with only long-lasting items. If you turn a fridge off, prop the door open to prevent odors and mildew.
• Unplug electronics and small appliances.
• Set the water heater to its vacation or low setting, per the manual.
• Remove food, take out all trash and seal pantry items to discourage pests; consider your pest service's seasonal plan.

Sealing drafts and insulating help both homes cost less to heat and cool. See our weatherization guide. Income-qualified households may get free upgrades through the Weatherization Assistance Program (opens in a new tab). If heating bills are a struggle, see our winter utility shutoff help.