Going Away? 9 Tips to Protect Your Home

If you are moving, or going on vacation, 9 Tips to Protect Your Home in your absence:

1. Have a Neighbour or Friend Check on Your House: having someone check in on your house every few days makes every difference in ensuring that nothing happens to your house while you are away. Have your friend bring in newspapers or any evidence that can build up and alert potential burglars that you are not home. This friend can also ensure that if there is any damage to the home (ie pipe burst, basement flood), you will know soon enough to make any repairs. If you do not know anyone local, there are companies that can do this for you.
2. Stop the Mail: Better than having someone bring in your newspapers, if your time away from your house warrants it, stop your mail and newspaper delivery.
3. Invest in a quality alarm system: An alarm system will save you money on insurance, but can also alert you (and/or your neighbourhood contact) if anything has gone on in your home while you are away.
4. Smoke Detectors: Ensure that your smoke detectors are up to date and connected to your alarm system or other means of contacting emergency services.
5. Install proper exterior lighting and exterior and interior cameras: this will allow you (and/or your contact) to check up on your house whenever you would like without actually being there. This will give you added piece of mind but also the chance to catch any potential problems before they get worse.
6. Put a few indoor lights on a timer: this will give the illusion that there is someone home in case there is any burglars scanning the area for vacant homes.
7. Ensure Your Yard is Cared For: Hire someone to make sure that your lawn stays trimmed or your driveway stays plowed. An untrimmed lawn or overflowing driveway can alert passersby that someone hasn’t been in the home lately.
8. Electronics: Unplug all electronic devices and appliances that are not being used.
9. Avoid Social Media: DO NOT post about your absence online.