Planning a winter getaway

Tips to keep your home safe and secure

If you plan on leaving your home unoccupied while vacationing this winter, there are a number of things you can do to keep it safe and secure.

Since it is heating season, you must arrange for a competent person to enter your home each day you are away to check the heating system. This is a requirement under your homeowner’s policy to maintain coverage for water damage caused by freezing and cracked pipes. Alternatively, you can shut off your water main and drain all the pipes in the house.

Enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is under control at home.

An empty home is an inviting target for burglars. To give your home a lived-in look, consider the following:

• Use timers on a few lights as well as a TV or radio
• Have someone pick up your mail including flyers, notices and catalogues
• Arrange to have the snow shoveled from your walks and driveway
• Ask a neighbour to park their vehicle in your driveway or have them move your vehicle in the driveway to make it seem like someone is home.

(Copyright: Staying in Touch 2006 – Volume Sixteen, Number Two)

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