Protect your home while on vacation

These tips will help you protect your home so you can enjoy peace of mind while on your vacation:

• Cancel the newspaper and suspend mail delivery for the time you're away, or have a neighbour pick up your newspaper and mail. Don't forget about the flyers that are frequently left in mailboxes.
• Have someone mow your lawn.
• Have a trusted neighbour or family member check your home regularly.
• Use timers on your lights to give a lived-in look. Timers should be set in different rooms for various times.
• Install motion sensor lights in the front and rear of your home. Remember to put them out of arms' reach.
• Don't leave a key hidden outside your home. Instead, leave it with a friend or neighbour.
  In addition to asking them to keep an eye on your home while you're gone, let a neighbour know how long you'll be gone and when you'll be returning. Also let them know if anyone will be at your home while you're away (such as a gardener or repair person), and how you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Turn off the water valve for any outside water taps. You may want to turn off the main water valve, depending on how long you will be away.
• If you are leaving in winter for more than four days, you must arrange to have someone check on your home or shut off the water and appliances, and drain the pipes. This is because of the risk of freezing pipes and the damage that would be caused after several days of water pouring into your home. Some insurance companies could disallow the claim if you haven't made arrangements.
• Ensure all windows are locked and secure. Place a strip of wood in sliding window tracks for extra security.
• If you have an attached garage, ensure it is locked and secure. Attached garages are another way of gaining access to your home.

Looking for more home tips?

For more tips on protecting your home, see Stop! Thief® Property.