Whether you’re away for a few days or a couple of months, keep your home safe with these helpful tips:
- Turn off the main water valve and drain the pipes or have a trusted friend or neighbour check on your home. Many home insurance policies require that you have someone check on your vacant house every few days. Consider installing a centrally monitored temperature alarm.
- Unplug appliances. You’ll save power and also keep your home safe if there’s a surge.
- Close the blinds, lock the garage and stow valuables out of sight.
- Don’t share too much on social media. The more you broadcast that you’re away, the more people know your home is vacant.
- Make your home look lived-in. Use lights with timers or a smart lighting system. Arrange for the post office to reroute your mail or get a neighbour to collect it at your house. If there’s still snow on the ground, get someone to shovel your walkway.
- Keep your thermostat set at 15 °C or higher.
- Check your insurance policy for any requirements involving homeowners being away. If you’re in a condominium, inform the concierge and/or condo management that you will be away.