Although many national and international vacations have had to be cancelled or postponed this year due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, a lot of you have turned to local activities to help spend the summer months. For those of us who live in BC, that means camping trips!
Camping can be a great activity to spend time outside enjoying the outdoors while taking a break from your usual home setting. However, don’t completely forget about your home. Here are some tips on how to ensure your home is as safe as possible while you’re gone in order to avoid any hassles with theft or damage that may increase your home insurance premiums.
Place Your Belongings Securely Inside
You may live in a decently safe neighbourhood, but that still doesn’t mean you should tempt any thieves by leaving valuable items outside for all to see. If there is anything of value outside your home, it may be best to bring it inside to keep it secure while you’re gone on your trip. Items like motorbikes, lawnmowers, tools and even your prized garden gnome could be snatched up by opportunistic passers by.
Ensure Windows Are Closed and Locked
Before you leave on your trip, ensure all of your windows are closed and locked. Open windows are a security hazard if you’re going to be away from the home for a while without anyone checking in. If you want to leave a window open so that it doesn’t get very stuffy inside while you’re gone, opt for a very small window that is almost impossible to climb through.
Ensure Doors Are Closed and Locked
Of course, all doors should be closed and locked before you leave. Double-check this before you leave. Also, any spare keys that may have been placed outside should be exceptionally hidden.
Talk To A Trusted Neighbour
If you have neighbours that you like and trust, consider speaking to them to give them a heads-up that you’ll be away for a while. They can keep an eye on the property to ensure anything suspicious (lights on or movement inside) is reported.
Ask A Family Member To Stop By
Family members who live close by can also be great for keeping an eye on the home, and they could also keep a spare key if needed or to stop by while you’re gone (make sure you let your neighbours know about this if you speak to them).
Don’t Overshare On Social Media
Oversharing on social media can put your home at risk. Pictures of your home, pictures of your trip or social check-ins that reveal that you’re away from home, and other forms of oversharing are all best to be avoided – at least until you’re back.
READ: 5 Common Mistakes of Over-Sharing on Social Media
Install Cameras Inside and/or Outside
Security cameras that record the inside and/or outside of your home way seem like an expensive overkill, but these days one can purchase a security camera set for relatively cheap, and they can be great for keeping criminals away or record footage if there’s an incident.
Install A Security Alarm System, If You Can
Installing a security alarm system that sounds-off a loud alarm and contacts local authorities in case of any triggers (door or window opening after the alarm has been set) is also a great way to keep your home safe. Installing comprehensive security alarm systems can also reduce your home insurance premiums by up to 20%!
Contact Harbord About Anything!
If you have any questions about other ways to keep your home safe and/or reduce your home insurance premiums, we encourage you to contact us at Harbord. Our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can also provide you with free quotes too!
