When you leave home for a trip

So you can travel with peace of mind, check out our recommendations for securing your home! Don't forget to...

Securing your home

Before you leave, check that all doors and windows are working properly, so you can lock up when you leave. Unplug electrical appliances to prevent any potential fire or other damage to your electrical system while you're away. Remember to leave a few lights switched on with timers to give the impression that your home is occupied. Turn down the thermostat, turn off the water and shut off the gas.

Don't forget to activate your home alarm. If it's connected to a private security company, let them know you're away. Give them a return date and an emergency contact number. Inform your neighbors of your travel dates, so they can contact the police if they notice anything unusual in your absence.

Make your home look busy

Forward your mail and newspapers, or ask one of your neighbors to collect them for you. This way, the mail piling up outside your door will no longer be an indication of your absence.

Remember to leave a radio and a few lights on timers, so that they can be switched on and off at set times, giving the impression that your home is occupied.

When you're away, have the lawn mowed and the snow swept in front of your house. Leave a car parked in front of your house. Don't mention your departure on your answering machine message, but keep your usual announcement.

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