Going away? Is your home protected while you're gone?
Let burglars know you're home, even when you're not!
Above all, don't Don't disclose the dates of your trip on social networks or leave a message on your answering machine that reveals you're away. You'll also need to do a few things to create the impression that someone is home and foil protect your home from potential intruders. Here are some examples:
- Ask a neighbour or relative to shovel your driveway, move your vehicle from time to time and collect your mail.
- Install a safety bar on patio doors or place a stick in the slide to prevent opening.
- Deactivate the garage door opener and activate the alarm system.
- Install a timer to turn lights on and off inside your home.
- Use motion sensors to trigger outdoor lighting.
- Put away any outdoor items that could be used to break into your home (ladders, tools, benches, etc.).
- Empty your garbage cans and recycling bin.
- Put your luggage in your car quickly just before you're ready to leave.
The definition of a good trip includes finding your home just as you left it!
Dipping your toes in warm waters is a great pleasure while you're away, but it's not much fun to be doing it when you get home. To avoid water damage and fire, you should take special care to:
- Turn off the water and drain all systems and appliances.
- Unplug electrical and electronic devices (computers, televisions, space heaters, Christmas lights, etc.).
- Shut off the electrical supply to your hot water tank.
- Leave a spare house key with someone you trust so they can periodically check to see that the heating system is working properly and verify the general condition of your house.
- Contact your home insurer to inform them that you will be away for a while.
Protecting your home while on vacation
Planning a holiday includes taking steps to ensure that everything stays in order in the house you're leaving behind. Paying careful attention to prevention can increase the likelihood of finding help to ensure that you'll find your home exactly as you left it: comfortable and safe place for you to plan your future trips!
