Holiday Travel Ahead? AAA Offers Essential Tips to Winterize and Secure Your Home
DEARBORN, Mich., (November 12, 2025) — As winter approaches and many prepare for holiday travel and extended vacations, AAA insurance experts urge homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their property from seasonal hazards and potential burglaries.
“Frozen pipes, power outages, and increased burglary attempts are all more common during this time of year,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “With a few simple precautions, you can protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.”
AAA’s Advice for Leaving Your Home for an Extended Period:
- Keep travel plans off social media to reduce the risk of theft or unwanted attention.
- Hold your mail and newspapers through the post office or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them daily.
- Shut off your water supply before leaving to prevent flooding from burst pipes. Use the main valve or individual shut-offs for toilets, sinks, and appliances. Then open faucets and flush toilets to drain remaining water from the lines
- Set your thermostat to at least 55°F or higher to prevent pipes from freezing. Consider a smart thermostat that allows remote monitoring and adjustments.
- Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers to simulate an occupied home.
- Lock all doors and windows, including those in the basement and garage. Notify your alarm company that you will be away.
- Unplug Non-Essential Electronics like TVs, computers, the stove, and the microwave to reduce fire risk and save energy.
- Turn off and drain outside water faucets, disconnect garden hoses and cover outside faucets with insulated protectors.
- Arrange for a snow removal service to clear driveways and walkways.
- Close the chimney flue to prevent drafts, moisture, or curious critters from sneaking in.
Review Your Coverage Before You Travel
AAA encourages homeowners to connect with an insurance advisor to ensure their coverage is up to date and to explore available discounts before heading out for the holidays.
Evaluate Your Policy: Ensure your coverage accurately reflects your home’s current value, any recent renovations, and the possessions you own.
Bundle and Save: Combining auto, home, flood, and life insurance policies can unlock meaningful savings.
Ask About Discounts: AAA offers a range of discounts that may apply based on your coverage, home features, or membership status.
Visit AAA.com/Insurance to receive a quote or file a claim online.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
