With
suitcases full of presents and holiday cheer, thousands of people in Canada go
on vacation every winter to celebrate the season with friends and family and
escape the winter cold.
To
ensure the season stays jolly, here are some simple tips on how to better
protect your home from unwanted attention while you're away:
•
Consider a security upgrade— Installing
extra security measures, like deadbolt locks, automatic timers on your lights
and security alarms, can help deter burglars and even decrease your insurance
premiums. Don't forget to draw your blinds and double check all doors and
windows are locked.
•
Take inventory of your belongings—Make
a list and take photos of all your valuables and be sure to include the date
purchased, brand names and serial numbers and keep the list in a safe place.
This will help make the process easier if you ever have to make a claim.
•
Ask your neighbours to look out for
unusual activity—Ensuring your home appears occupied will deter intruders.
Ask a trusted neighbour to pick up your mail, park a car in your driveway,
shovel snow off your walkway, and keep an eye out to ensure everything's in
order while you're away.
•
Check your insurance coverage—Make
sure your home insurance coverage is still adequate and that you're comfortable
with your deductible (how much you will have to pay if you have to make a claim),
and check whether your policy offers 'actual cash value' or 'replacement cost'
coverage for your belongings.
Source: VERICO News
