When we think of the holidays, most of us think of family gatherings, festive lights, and holiday songs. The last thing on our minds is the possibility our home being broken into, personal belongings stolen, and our holiday ruined.
“In the insurance business, this time of year is one of the busiest for home burglary claims,” says
The Co-operators. “The good news is, there are some basic things you can do to increase home security.”
Helpful holiday safety tips:
- Start with the basics: Installing deadbolt locks with keys (with at least a 2.5 centimetre bolt) on all exterior doors and other entrances into the house from the garage or basement. That way, even if the burglar reaches in through a broken window, the door cannot be opened.
- Prevent burglars from “window shopping” by hanging curtains or blinds on all basement and garage windows. Install unbreakable plastic panels over vulnerable areas like basement and ground floor windows that are big enough for a person to climb through.
- Make sure sliding doors and windows have track pins or at least a fitted piece of wood or metal in the track. And if your windows have locks, doublecheck to make sure they’re locked before you go out.
- Outside, you can install photosensitive floodlights and door lights that automatically go on at dusk and off at dawn. It’s also smart to make sure any outside lighting has protective covers so they aren't easily broken. House numbers should be in a well-lit area and easily visible to neighbours and emergency response units.
- Installing extra locks may discourage the thief who is looking for an easy way in. Even better: install an ULC-approved, monitored alarm.
- Don’t display items thieves can easily sell: Try and keep televisions, computers and stereos away from windows. Avoid keeping valuables (such as jewellery) or large amounts of cash at home. Never leave your purse or valuables in plain sight of people who come to your door.
- Keep in mind that burglars will use ladders, garbage pails, trellises and low roofs to reach windows and doors that are not normally accessible.
- Be sure to keep your garage or shed locked. A garage can provide criminals with the tools and equipment to break and enter. Store your snowblower, gas barbecue, etc., out of sight when not in use.
- Consider other openings into your home: the milk chute (someone can crawl through or be able to reach the door lock). Openings which contain air conditioning units or exhaust fans can be pushed in to gain entry.
- Where possible, make sure doorways and windows are easily visible from the street. Never leave keys hidden near doors or under mats.
- Keep the garage door opener out of sight. Thieves may steal the door opener from your car and use it to gain access to your home. If you leave identification in the car, it can lead a thief directly to your home.
If you're going away over the holidays:
- Cancel newspaper and regular deliveries. Do not order merchandise for delivery while you are away. Arrange for someone to pick up the mail flyers, etc., so they don't pile up.
- Turn down the bells on the phone. Your answering machine message should not contain your last name or address, or indicate that no one is home. The message should say you can't come to the phone and will call back.
- Inform trusted neighours of your vacation plans and where you can be reached. Leave a key with them so they can check your house, turn on different lights from day-to-day and change the position of drapes and blinds.
- Have someone shovel the snow. Leave your car in the driveway (instead of the garage) or ask a neighbour to park in your driveway and move the car from time to time.
- Don't leave lights on all the time if you're going away as anyone watching your house will soon realize you're not at home. Inexpensive timers for individual lamps can be set to turn lights on and off at appropriate times. Radios and televisions can also be put on timers.
- If you are away for more than four consecutive days, you must arrange for someone to check your home. During the heating season, make sure someone checks your house daily to ensure the heating system is working. If the residence has not been checked daily, and a pipe freezes and bursts from lack of heat, most standard home insurance policies will not cover the damage. For added protection, shutting off the water system will eliminate water damage.
Stay safe this winter holiday by taking a few extra precautions. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
