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Keeping your home safe during the holidays


Blog by Dianna Sturhahn | December 2nd, 2013


If you are one of the fortunate counting sleeps until a balmy beach vacation, then you can appreciate this weather and the extra hours you’ve been putting in a little more!  Whether you are jet setting for warmer weather over Christmas, or even if you have an upcoming trip planned this spring, ensuring you take the precautions to secure your home is essential.  We become so focused on passports, sunscreen and sandals, that we easily forget the importance of ensuring the safety off the things not lucky enough to fit in the suitcase.  Here are several important things you should consider before heading to the airport:  

1.  Social Media:  Who can resist changing their status to “Off to Mexico for some sun!  See you in 2 weeks!”  Or updating your location to “Edmonton International Airport, Bound for Hawaii!”  We want our friends and family to be a little envious….but those close to you are already aware of your plans.  What your status might as well say is “I’m out of the country for 2 weeks, my home is empty, feel free to help yourself.” 

2.  Same goes with your answering machine, don’t advertise your being away.

3.  The best deterrent is to have someone housesit for you. This is especially great if you have pets!  Not leaving the home empty is your best protection.

4.  If you do not have someone to housesit for you, ask a trustworthy neighbor to ensure your mail and flyers are brought in regularly and that your driveway and sidewalk are shoveled.  A lack of tire tracks and shoveling is one of the largest indicators that the home is vacant.  Ensure this person has emergency contact info in the event of fire or flooding.

5.  If you have an alarm, make sure it is set and make an alarm sign visible.  Ensure that the person caring for your home knows how to use it.  Also, it is a bylaw in many areas that an active alarm be registered with the police.  If they are called out to your home and it is not registered, you could face a fine of $350. 

6.  Secure your pets.  Make arrangements well in advance as to who will care for them while you are away.  Know where they are in the home when you leave, to ensure they are not accidently locked outdoors or into a room with no food or water.

7.  Unplug any appliances that don’t need to be on while you are away.

8.  Ensure all doors and windows are locked.  Use a broom handle or metal bar in any sliding door track, and secure pet entrances.

9.  Always leave a small light on in the house, and if possible, use a timer for outdoor lighting.  You may want to consider having motion activated floodlights installed.

10.Don’t adjust your window treatments.  Closing all of the shades in your house for a week can be like hanging a neon sign saying “I’m not home!”.

11.Store valuables out of sight.  You should always have up to date photos and written record of valuables in the home for insurance purposes.

12.Ensure your home insurance policy is up to date.