In the year 1999, there was a panic that everything would shut down because computers were not programmed to go beyond that year, so generators became popular in sales in anticipation of Y2K.  

Since then, a lot of people have invested in a generator which can be hooked up to their appliances, specifically fridges and freezers, minimizing food loss in the event of a power outage.

These generators can also be hooked up to other appliances, such as your furnace or electric heaters to ensure your temperature does not dip to freezing temperatures, minimizing the risk of burst pipes etc. And if the power outage occurs during the Summer, having power to your air conditioning or humidity control appliances can reduce the risk of mould.

If you’re on vacation you should have someone on standby to check on your appliances during a power outage. To keep an eye on the power outages in your area, you can download the Hydro app on your phone and register your area for updates.

A simple freezer monitor can also be an important tool all year round, it will let you know if you’ve had a significant power outage at anytime or if your refrigerator or freezer are starting to fail, letting you know when your food might be unsafe to eat.

Another area of concern during storms, is the possibility that branches and trees can fall during a wind storm causing possible damage to your home or surrounding structures. If there is structural damage to the home from a fallen tree and left unchecked it could escalate rapidly into flood damage. A simple branch or a tree left on the driveway for sometime could also be a strong indication that the owners of the property are away leaving your property vulnerable to breaking and entering. 

Home insurance policies do require that an unoccupied home either has a vacancy or unoccupied clause added to the policy, or that someone performs regular interval checks on the home or property. 

Each insurance providers have different frequency requirements in regards to having your home checked.  

AG Secure HomeWatch will monitor our clients homes during storms and keep an eye on power outages. Finding the right Home Watch company can bring you peace of mind while you’re away.