Vacation Tips for Protecting Your Home

In partnership with Beneva

Vacation talk is in the air and your own time off is fast approaching. Add safeguarding the house to your to-do list before you leave. You will then reduce the risk of returning home to a nasty surprise: theft, vandalism, water damage… We will walk you through the process step-by-step.

1. Invite your neighbours or relatives to come over while you’re away

An empty house quickly attracts the attention of thieves. Ask one or two people to stop by your place. For example, a neighbour can…

  • Pick up your mail
  • Park their vehicle in your driveway
  • Water your garden and pick ripe fruit and vegetables
  • Report abnormal activity
  • Mow the lawn as needed

Help your guardian angel help you. Give that person a key and explain how to reach you if needed. If you have an alarm system, demonstrate how to use it. Also provide that person with a temporary access code. If your system is connected to a central monitoring station, give that person’s number to your alarm monitoring service. Indicate that this is the person to contact in the event of an emergency.

2. Make your house come alive remotely

Home automation solutions and smart systems can easily help you make it look like you’re at home, even when you’re not.

Buy electronic timers. In the evening, they provide interior lighting when you’re not home.

Also install one or more motion sensor lamps to light up the darkest corners of your property.

3. Don’t announce that you’re going away on social media

Don’t post photos until after you return! Posts can travel over social networks too. Your property is safe with your friends but thieves track empty houses all sorts of ways, including Facebook.

4. Use less energy

You’ll be away, so why keep the air conditioning on? It’s best if you turn it off.

If you own a pool, don’t heat it! Just leave the filter running. Also lower the hot tub temperature.

Unplug some appliances, such as the toaster, TVs, microwave and computer. You will save on your electricity bill and prevent the risk of a power surge (during a thunderstorm, for example).

5. Prevent water damage

Close the main water valve. Then let any remaining water run from the taps and flush the toilets.

Turn on the dishwasher so the cycle ends before you leave the house.

6. Check off your list

Has the long-awaited day of departure arrived?

If you leave the house for more than 30 days, notify your home insurance company.

Keep your valuables safe (important documents, jewellery, etc.).

If you own a garage, lock it and disable the automatic door opener.

Before blocking shed access, store outdoor items there that could fly away or cause damage in the event of a storm.

Lock doors and windows. Don’t leave a key hidden outside: thieves know all about the key-in-the-flowerpot trick (in all its forms).

Do you have an alarm system? All that’s left is to activate it and then lock the door on your way out.

Your home is secure, your real vacation can begin… enjoy!

Take advantage of the exclusive offers and many member benefits of being with Beneva for your auto, home and recreational vehicle insurance.

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