If you are a snowbird that heads south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help winterize your vacant home.Taking the right winterization steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time.What is winterization? Winterization of a house is the process of preparing the property to be vacant during the winter.

Typically, you will want to take these preventive steps this fall, ahead of winter weather season.Being proactive can help protect against risks of damage due to bursting water pipes and other home and property issues.1.

Prevent your home from appearing unoccupied 2.Take steps to protect your home from thieves 3.Help avoid water damage by turning off your water supply 4.

Keep your home and plumbing warm 5.Perform routine winter maintenance before you leave Heating system maintenance Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance.It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.

      Before winter: 6.Make your home unattractive to pests 7.Be ready for emergencies 8.

Make sure you have the insurance coverage you need Be proactive about protecting your home when leaving the property – whether it’s for a few days or longer.Contact your local Bolder Insurance Advisor  to make sure your homeowners coverage is up to date and premiums are paid up so you’ll be covered in case anything happens while you’re away.Source1http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.How-Do-I-Winterize-a-Vacant-House.10834.html   This article provided by Travelers Insurance, a Bolder Insurance partner.