Snowbirds: How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away For the Winter

Say goodbye to the cold weather blues and hello to your warm vacation. Take steps to secure your home so you can fly away with peace of mind:

1. Contact your insurance provider to find out if your home policy has specific requirements in the event of theft or damage during your absence, such as someone checking your home regularly.

2. Stay on top of seasonal maintenance in and around your home, to prevent damage from unexpected weather and events while you're away.

3. Have your furnace serviced. Consider options like turning the water off and lowering the heat, depending on how long you'll be away.

4. Prevent your mailbox from overfilling with mail and flyers, a sign that your home is vacant. You can make arrangements with Canada Post to have your mail held while you're gone, or forwarded to you.

5. Set some indoor and outdoor lights on a timer, to turn on and off regularly.

6. Installation of a security alarm, video surveillance and motion sensored lighting will go a long way in deterring vandalism and theft.

7. Enlist a neighbour or family member, or hire a contractor, to clear your driveway and walks after it snows.

Ask me for a recommendation to a trusted professional, whether you need home insurance, security, maintenance or other service to secure your home while you’re away.