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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Planning A Summer Migration?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Desert Scape As you are leaving your desert home...

In time the migration back to summer homes will begin. Over the next several weeks, you can prep your Arizona abode for your departure. 

Here is a list of things to do leading up to the time you leave. 

• Go to your local post office. Make arrangements for your mail or any regular deliveries to be forwarded to your new location. The post office does recommend that giving them notice least ten days to the effective date. 
• Contact your newspaper. Let them know when to stop and resume your service. 
• Contact telephone, Internet service provider, and cable or satellite TV provider to put your service on hold until you return.
• If you have an HOA in your community, notify them when you will be leaving and returning . Likewise, let friends and neighbors in the community know, as well. Enlist the help of a neighbor if you do not have a home service provider to check on your property from time to time. It is one more set of eyes on your property. Leave a list of your preferred list of contractors with contact information. 
• Consider storing any valuables and important documents that you are leaving in a safe deposit box.
• Coordinate emptying of the refrigerator with trash and recycling pickup. Begin cleaning out the fridge and cabinets of items that will expire or are not stored in airtight containers.
• Landscape maintenance –Desert plants love the heat and will grow quickly and out of control. Make sure that all of the yard debris is cleaned and transported away. When possible, contract a landscaper that you know and trust that will maintain your summer landscaping and sprinkler system. 
• Summer in Arizona can be the perfect storm of wildfires and monsoons. If a wash is close to your property, make sure that the desert plants are maintained, so there is not a direct path to your home in the event of a fire. 
• Pool and hot tub maintenance. Enlist the help of a reputable pool service. Set expectations for pool and hot tub maintenance. Making sure the heat is off, but the pumps are good working conditions. 
• Check the exterior of your home and the roof. The summer monsoons are a real event in Arizona. The amount of rain and intensity of the storm can vary. They can be very intense, leaving your home a target for high winds, hard rain, flooding, and the potential for debris to impact your home. Make sure that your contractor checks the exterior of your home and roof before you leave. Call your roofer to assess the roof’s ability to survive the strong storm activity.
• Whether you live in a single-family home or a condo, owners should have the main water valve shut off. This can prevent flooding in your home. Contact a local plumber to make sure that this action will not impact your sprinkler system and ensure it will not lead standing water in or around your home. Ask about your water softener if you have one. Find out any steps you need to take to ensure it is in proper working order when you return. 
• Check all appliances to make sure that all maintenance has been done. Empty your refrigerator and garbage to prevent mold, bugs, and rodents from being attracted to your home. 
• Contact your local pest control company. Make sure that they keep your maintenance inside and outside up to date before you leave.
• Do not forget to make sure that all lights, fans, televisions, appliances, entertainment systems, etc. are unplugged.  Open the doors to the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher – this can prevent mold and mildew.
• Have your HVAC professional check your air conditioner before you leave. Ask them for a recommended temperature while you are away. Most will recommend between 85 and 90 degrees. 
• Make sure that you replace the batteries of any backup systems you may have. Some may include, security systems, thermostats, fire and carbon monoxide detectors
• Remove and combustible or flammable materials from the garage. This can help in preventing a fire. 
• As you are walking out the door, turn off your water heater off to prevent potential water damage. 
In the event of a water or fire mitigation or restoration emergency, SERVPRO Gilbert is ready to help.

We offer our customers:
• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call SERVPRO of Gilbert (480) 558-7620

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