Arming a home or business security system (ID 20513070 © Flynt | Dreamstime.com)

By Keaton Brown

Bolstering Home Security

Tips on keeping property safe while travelling during the holidays

Dec 11, 2019 | 2:00 PM

With the Christmas season fast approaching CAA issued a few tips for people who plan to travel during the holidays.

It is important to maintain the appearance your household is lived in and not openly advertise it is sitting vacant.

They recommend suspending things like daily newspaper deliveries or other online purchases that can pile up at the front door.

It is also important to leave blinds or curtains in positions they would be normally and have a timer set up for lights and your television or radio.

Keeping your driveway and walkway clear is another great way to keep up the appearance you are home. They recommend you ask a neighbor or someone you trust to keep your driveway and walkways shovelled.

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RCMP Staff Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt said it is always important to be mindful of locking up your house when you leave for the holidays.

“Ensure that all your doors and windows are locked. Make sure you have your mailbox cleared out. If it is possible to have a friend or house sitter come by to make sure those things are cleared out to indicate someone is at the house,” he said.

Woolfitt also said exterior motion lights can also help maintain the illusion someone is at home.

“I would also recommend that people have the security lights on the outside of the house that comes on when people come near the property,” he said.

Turning off your water supply or having someone routinely check your house while you are away is a great way to ensure the pipes in your house don’t freeze and crack in the case of a furnace malfunction.

Wireless thermostats are also a good idea if you are away from home for extended periods of time as they can warn you if your house is dropping below certain temperature thresholds.

Woolfitt said the most important tip is to not broadcast to the world you are away from home for an extended period of time.

“I think the most important thing, especially in the world of technology that we live in, is to not broadcast what your plans are on social media. Maybe save all your pictures you want to share until you get home to put them on social media,” he said.

It is also always a great idea to make sure that your home insurance is up to date and it will provide coverage for your belongings.

—

Keaton.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow