If you’re planning to escape the chill of home and head someplace warmer this winter, prepping your vacant house isn’t just good housekeeping, it’s smart survival. Winterizing your property means taking a holistic approach so that your home is protected from everything from frozen pipes and ice dams to opportunistic burglars and runaway energy bills.

First up: don’t make your home look abandoned. A mailbox overflowing, snow on the driveway, and lights that never change practically invite trouble. Forward your mail, pause deliveries, and ask a friend to clear any packages or debris from your porch. Then, set lights (both inside and out) on timers or smart schedules so that the place doesn’t appear empty. Good Housekeeping notes that motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on varying timers are a savvy way to look like you’re home.

Security matters: make sure your alarm system works, deadbolts are engaged, sliding doors are locked or secured, and valuables you’re not bringing with you are stored off-site. Travelers warns against posting your vacation status on social media and broadcasting your travel plans.

Water damage is arguably the greatest threat when you’re away. If you’re gone for an extended time, shutting off the main water supply can be helpful, although if you have any pipes exposed to low temperatures, you’ll want to keep those faucets at a slow drip to prevent them from freezing. American Home Shield suggests insulating pipes in unheated areas or installing thermostatically-controlled heat tape to help.

Speaking of heat: don’t be tempted to turn your furnace off just because no one is home. The risks of a burst pipe or frozen system far outweigh the savings. Homes & Gardens recommends keeping the thermostat set to at least 50°F while you’re away, and Consumer Reports bumps that up to 55°F, especially where water piping sits in unheated wall or floor cavities. Leave interior doors to rooms open so heat circulates beneath sink cabinets and toward outer walls. Also, shut off water to major appliances, such as the washer and dishwasher so broken hoses or leaks don’t surprise you later.

Before you go: treat your house to a little maintenance spa day. Have your heating system inspected and serviced so it won’t fail or while you’re away. Travelers notes to fill up fuel tanks if applicable, check your electrical service and wiring, replace or clean filters, and check your chimney/flue if you’ve got a wood-burning option. Ensure insulation is adequate, weather-strip doors and windows, install storm windows or remove screens where appropriate, and clear gutters so melting snow doesn’t back up, freeze, or force water into your house.

Don’t neglect pests either; they’re clever! A vacant, warm house is a sweet spot for critters. Clean out your kitchen, throw away food from the counter, secure chimney flues, seal any entry points, and inspect for old screens or broken weather-stripping where animals could sneak in.

Finally, give a trusted neighbor or friend a key, your emergency contacts, and the name of your preferred plumber or contractor, just in case. A quick check-in during cold snaps can make all the difference between a cozy return and a costly cleanup.