The Snowbird’s Guide to Year-Round Property Protection
Thousands of SW Florida homeowners head north from April through October : right when hurricane season, daily thunderstorms, and peak humidity create the highest risk for property damage. An unoccupied home during Florida’s wettest months is a disaster waiting to happen without proper precautions.
Before You Leave
- AC maintenance : have your system serviced and set the thermostat to 78°F (never turn it off)
- Flush AC condensate drain : a clogged line while you’re gone means weeks of water damage
- Install or verify water leak sensors with cellular alerts
- Consider a smart water shut-off valve : shut off water remotely if a leak is detected
- Ask a neighbor or property manager for weekly checks during hurricane season
- Trim trees and secure outdoor items before the June 1 season start
Insurance Considerations
- Many carriers require the home to be checked every 30 days or coverage is voided for certain claims
- Unoccupied home riders may be required if the property is vacant 60+ days
- Water damage from a “gradual leak” in a vacant home is almost always denied : monitoring is essential
Enroll in WrightWay’s free ERP for pre-loss documentation and priority response. Call (941) 379-8669.