Amica Press Releases

10.14.10

Amica offers tips for winterizing summer cottages and vacation homes

LINCOLN, RI –It’s getting to be that time of year. Amica Insurance reminds everyone to make sure cottages and vacation homes are secured properly and offers some tips if you are leaving your summer home.

"Millions of homes are left unattended seasonally,” said Lisa Melton, an assistant vice president with Amica Mutual Insurance Co. “In order to prevent damage, it is important to prepare your home in advance.”

Here are a few tips for preparing your property:

• Unplug all appliances.
• Drain the water system to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Inspect your property for openings and remove all food to keep out rodents.
• Adjust the thermostat. In colder climates, thermostats set at 55 degrees will help to prevent pipes from freezing. In warmer climates, air conditioning should be turned on to prevent humidity damage.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.

It’s also important to make your home look lived in, Melton said. Empty houses are often targeted by thieves and vandals. To make help make your house appear occupied:

• Put interior and exterior lights on time sensors.
• Suspend mail and newspaper service.
• Hire someone to clear snow from your driveway.

"Winterizing your home properly will keep your home safe when you are unable to be there,” Melton said.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety also offers additional tips for protecting your home at DisasterSafety.org.

About Amica Mutual Insurance

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in
1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.

CONTACT: Vince Burks, Corporate Communications, 50 Amica Way,
Lincoln, RI 02865-1155, 800-652-6422, ext. 24563

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