5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Safe Over the Holidays

It’s great to get out of town, but you should know that seasonal travel can expose your home to risks from severe winter weather to break-ins. Put these five things on your to-do list to help keep your house safe while you’re away.

Get a neighbourly check-in

Ask a neighbour to make your home look a little more lived-in by shovelling any snow on your front walk; removing mail, newspapers or any packages from your front porch; and doing a quick water-leak check around the house.

Disconnect your devices

Unplugging major appliances and electronics while away helps guard against electrical surges and potential electrical fires. So unplug your toasters, coffee pots, stove, washing machine, dryer and, of course, computers. Also, drain your pipes and turn off your water before leaving to avoid water damage.

Let there be light

Set up interior and exterior lights on timers so it looks like people are home. Ask your neighbour to switch a couple of your interior lights on or off so the same ones aren’t left on for extended periods of time.

Shut off social media—for safety

Save all those great holiday travel social media posts for when you get home. Unfortunately, posts can go viral, alerting people you don’t know that you’re away and increasing the potential for a home break-in.

Protect your home and valuables with CAA Home Insurance

CAA Home Insurance offers competitive rates; outstanding claims service; and optional coverage including home equipment breakdown, water coverage, plus service line coverage to protect underground piping, wiring and valves.

There’s even identity theft coverage to protect your good name. Visit online or talk to a licensed insurance agent at your local CAA Store to find out more.

Staying close to home for the holidays?

If you won’t be travelling, follow these tips for safe holiday decorating. Plus, get a few festive styling secrets from your favourite hotels.

Image credit: Dawnkey/Getty Images

Home Equipment Breakdown Insurance and Service Line Coverage are underwritten by CAA Insurance Company, claims administered by Mutual Boiler Re. Certain conditions, limitations and underwriting guidelines apply.