Vacation Tips for Your Home

Some safety tips to help prevent problems at home when you leave for an extended period of time:

Put lights on timers to give the impression someone is home
Tell a trusted neighbour your vacation plans and provide emergency contact numbers
Do not leave notes or messages on doors or your answering machine that would indicate you are away
Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway
Keep small valuables in a safe deposit box
Remember to suspend newspaper delivery
Have someone mow your lawn/shovel your driveway if necessary
Keep a record of your valuables. Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark, such as your driver’s licence number, on the property. Proper identification may deter thieves and makes it easier for the police to return personal property if recovered. Keep your insurance policies current
Always think of your personal safety. Upon returning home, scan the front of your home
Use high beams upon entering the garage and have a good look around before you leave the safety of your car

You have stopped all deliveries
Mail is being held or picked up by a trusted neighbour
You have arranged to have someone take care of your yard/shovel your driveway
You have timers on interior and exterior lights
You have let a trusted neighbour know you’re going away, when you will return and left a contact number in case of emergency
Shades and blinds are at their normal positions