Two suitcases packed for vacation and outside the front door

Vacation Safety Tips for NJ Homeowners: Prevent Fire, Water & Mold Damage

Fire Restoration

Going Down the Shore? Protect Your NJ Home from Fire, Water, and Mold Before You Leave

After 15 years in the fire, water, and mold restoration business, we’ve seen our fair share of summer disasters: flooded basements from burst pipes, mushrooms growing on carpet, and ceilings dripping with condensation. Most homeowners secure their house before a vacation, stop their mail, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things—but those steps aren’t always enough. Before you head off to the Jersey Shore or anywhere else for your summer getaway, take a few extra precautions to make sure your home stays safe and dry while you are away.

What should I do before leaving my house for a trip?

Home Preparation Safety Checklist For Vacation

1. Prevent Mold: Keep the A/C Running

Shutting off your air conditioner while you’re away may seem like a money-saver, but it can actually lead to mold—especially during New Jersey’s hot, humid months.

  • Set your thermostat only 3–4 degrees higher than normal.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to manage humidity efficiently.
  • Make sure your HVAC filters are clean and the system is in good working order.
  • Leave closet doors open to help air circulate in tight spaces.

Interesting fact: Mold can grow quickly when humidity levels rise. A little airflow goes a long way.

2. Prevent Fires: Unplug Electronics & Store Batteries Safely

  • Unplug lamps, toasters, clocks, computers, and phone chargers.
  • Test smoke detectors and replace any weak batteries.
  • If you’re using timers for lights, check that they’re in good condition and not overloaded.
    • Store Lithium-Ion batteries (like the ones in phones, e-bikes, laptops, and e-scooters) at room temperature, away from anything flammable.

Did You Know? Lithium-ion batteries are one of the top causes of home fires today. Always store them with care to secure your house before vacation.

Many house fires start from faulty appliances or rechargeable batteries—especially when no one is home. Want to learn more about what to keep and throw out after a fire? Check out this blog post.

3. Prevent Water Damage: Shut Off the Water Supply

One of the most common vacation mishaps? A hidden leak.

Turn off your home’s main water valve. It’s usually located in the basement on the wall facing the street. Look for a pipe coming from the outside—this is your water supply line. So if you are asking yourself “should I turn off the water before a vacation?” the answer is YES!

Can’t shut off the main valve? Turn off water to individual fixtures like sinks, toilets, appliances, and your water heater.

Blue top gate valve

Knob-style valve for shutting off water in your home

For knob-style valves, turn clockwise to shut off.

Orange handle ball valve

Lever-style valve for shutting off water in your home

For lever-style valves, turn the lever so it’s perpendicular to the pipe (a “T” shape).

Pro Tip: Shut off your home’s sprinkler system too—it’s not designed to save your home, just to help you escape during a fire.

Enjoy Peace of Mind While You’re Away

Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or a few weeks, these quick steps can help prevent major problems like mold, fire, or a flooded basement.

But if something does go wrong, your local PuroClean team is ready 24/7 with expert technicians and state-of-the-art tools to get your home back to normal—fast. If you need us, call PuroClean Restoration Services at (908) 577-9120.

Call us before, during, or after a home emergency. We’re always here to help!

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