Hydro One offers tips for closing seasonal homes

With winter around the corner, Hydro One has offered a number of tips to close up cottages or seasonal homes.

Some people choose to shut off their electricity completely by turning off the main switch at the electrical panel.

If doing this, remember to turn off all major appliances, the water heater, and electrical room heaters before turning off the main switch. This will ensure a smoother, safer start-up when re-opening the home or cottage.

If leaving the electricity on to operate a security system or lighting, turn off the power supply to major appliances at the main panel and turn off the power supply to any space heaters.

Otherwise, they may turn on during cold weather.

Here are some other helpful tips to follow before locking up for the season:

- drain the plumbing system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting;

- drain the water tank. Remember to turn off the power supply to the water heater before draining the tank to avoid damage to the heating element;

- clean out the fridge and leave the door ajar to keep it smelling fresh; and

- make sure fireplace dampers are shut tightly to prevent animals from getting in.