The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Care And Repair Of The House

Closing The House

When a house is to be unoccupied for an extended period, especially during the winter, it should be inspected carefully before it is left, and precautions should be taken to guard' against possible damage during the absence of the family. Such damage might result from a leaky roof, burst water pipe or cracked fixture, defective wiring, or other causes.

Whenever a house is being closed there is always more or less haste to leave it. It is in this rush that things are often left in a disordered state. It is best to plan ahead and to go about such preparations as are necessary in a systematic manner, to avoid confusion at the last minute and to insure that nothing important is being left undone.

The roof should be examined for possible leaks, and repairs should be made, if necessary. Gutters and down spouts should be cleared of leaves and rubbish to prevent overflow.

All rubbish should be gathered up and burned, particularly accumulations in the basement. Piles of paper, rags, shavings, and similar discarded material sometimes cause fires by spontaneous combustion. It is perhaps needless to say that all matches should be put in a glass, metal, or earthen container or removed from the premises, and all oil, gasoline, and paint cans disposed of.

Most fire insurance companies require the insured to obtain a "vacancy permit" before leaving a house unoccupied for an extended period. The necessary requirements in this respect are usually outlined in the policy. A small additional premium may be charged for granting this privilege.

Before the occupants leave the house, the refrigerator drain should be cleaned out and the interior of the refrigerator should be cleaned and aired. All perishable food should be disposed of, and preserves and jellies should be put in a place where they will be protected against excessive heat in summer and freezing in winter.

The water should be shut off, and such other precautions taken in regard to the water system and heating system as are recommended in Chapter XI, sections 2 and 3.

The electrical supply should also be cut off as described in Chapter XIII, section 3. This is a wise precaution to take, since fires are sometimes started by a short circuit caused by crossed bare wires or other faults in the wiring system. It also provides protection against damage caused by lightning passing through the nouse circuit. The radio antenna should be grounded before it enters the house or a lightning arrester provided, to guard against damage to the set and possibly to the house.

The telephone service may be temporarily discontinued by notifying the telephone company. There is usually a reduced charge during the period the telephone is out of service.