{"id":21049,"date":"2025-07-07T19:12:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T19:12:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=21049"},"modified":"2026-06-18T20:50:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T20:50:31","slug":"vacation-safety-prevention-tips-for-nj-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/vacation-safety-prevention-tips-for-nj-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"Vacation Safety Tips for NJ Homeowners: Prevent Fire, Water &amp; Mold Damage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Going Down the Shore? Protect Your NJ Home from Property Damage Before You Leave<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>After 15 years in the fire, water, and mold restoration business, we\u2019ve seen our fair share of summer disasters: flooded basements from burst pipes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/mold-in-my-basement-mold-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mushrooms growing on carpet<\/a>, 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\u2014but those steps aren\u2019t 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do before leaving my house for a trip?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Home Preparation Safety Checklist For Vacation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Prevent Mold: Keep the A\/C Running<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shutting off your <strong>air conditioner<\/strong> while you\u2019re away may seem like a money-saver, but it can actually lead to mold\u2014especially during New Jersey\u2019s hot, humid months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set your thermostat only 3\u20134 degrees higher than normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a programmable thermostat to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/basement-humidity-levels\/\">manage humidity efficiently<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clean-home-nj.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HVAC filters<\/a> are clean and the <strong>system is in good working order<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave closet doors open to <strong>help air circulate in tight spaces<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Interesting fact:<\/strong> Mold can grow quickly when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/basement-humidity-levels\/\">humidity levels rise<\/a>. <strong>A little airflow goes a long way.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Prevent Fires: Unplug Electronics &amp; Store Batteries Safely<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unplug lamps, toasters, clocks, computers, and phone chargers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test <strong>smoke detectors<\/strong> and replace any weak batteries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you&#8217;re using timers for lights, check that they&#8217;re in good condition and not overloaded.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Store <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/education-and-research\/home-fire-safety\/lithium-ion-batteries\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lithium-Ion batteries<\/a><\/strong> (like the ones in phones, e-bikes, laptops, and e-scooters) at room temperature, away from anything flammable.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Did You Know?<\/strong> Lithium-ion batteries are one of the top causes of home fires today. Always store them with care to secure your house before vacation<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many <strong>house fires start from faulty appliances or rechargeable batteries<\/strong>\u2014especially when no one is home. Want to learn more about what to keep and throw out after a fire? Check out this post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/what-to-throw-out-after-a-fire\/\">what to throw out after a fire.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/blog\/fix-water-damaged-floors\/\">Water Damage<\/a>: Shut Off the Water Supply<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most common vacation mishaps? <strong>A hidden leak.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-horizontal is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7434a73d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turn off your home\u2019s <strong>main water valve<\/strong>. It\u2019s usually located in the basement on the wall facing the street. Look for a pipe coming from the outside\u2014<strong>this is your water supply line.<\/strong> So if you are asking yourself &#8220;<em>should I turn off the water before a vacation?<\/em>&#8221; the answer is <em><strong>YES!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can\u2019t shut off the main valve? Turn off water to individual fixtures like sinks, toilets, appliances, and your water heater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:174px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-b7a6e6bc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"886\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Gate-Valve-1024x886.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue valve handle on a plumbing fixture, emphasizing water control for home safety.\" class=\"wp-image-21060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Gate-Valve-1024x886.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Gate-Valve-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Gate-Valve-768x665.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Gate-Valve.jpg 1459w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Knob-style valve for shutting off water in your home<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>knob-style valves<\/strong>, turn clockwise to shut off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Ball-Valve-994x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a shut-off valve for plumbing, featuring a bright red handle and brass fittings, emphasizing water safety.\" class=\"wp-image-21059\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9707214005433142;width:340px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Ball-Valve-994x1024.jpg 994w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Ball-Valve-291x300.jpg 291w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Ball-Valve-768x792.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/616\/2025\/07\/Ball-Valve.jpg 1435w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>lever-style valves<\/strong>, turn the lever so it\u2019s perpendicular to the pipe (a \u201cT\u201d shape).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Lever-style valve for shutting off water in your home<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <strong>Shut off your home&#8217;s sprinkler system too<\/strong>\u2014it\u2019s not designed to save your home, just to help you escape during a fire.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enjoy Peace of Mind While You&#8217;re Away<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re heading out for a long weekend or a few weeks, these quick steps can help p<strong>revent major problems<\/strong> like mold, fire, or a flooded basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if something <em>does<\/em> go wrong, your local <strong>PuroClean team<\/strong> is ready <strong>24\/7 with expert technicians<\/strong> and state-of-the-art tools to get your home back to normal\u2014fast. If you need us, call <strong>PuroClean Restoration Services<\/strong> at <a href=\"tel:(908) 577-9120\">(908) 577-9120<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Call us before, during, or after a home emergency. We\u2019re always here to help!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Going Down the Shore? Protect Your NJ Home from Property Damage Before You Leave After 15 years in the fire, water, and mold restoration business, we\u2019ve seen our fair share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":21061,"template":"","blog-category":[11,12,16,13],"class_list":["post-21049","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-fire-restoration","blog-category-mold-restoration","blog-category-preventative-property-care","blog-category-water-restoration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/21049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/130"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/21049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21208,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/21049\/revisions\/21208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/cranford-nj-puroclean-restoration-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=21049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}