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Ontario winters are beautiful — but they can be harsh on homes, especially when left unattended during holiday travel. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and opportunistic burglars can turn a relaxing vacation into a costly nightmare.
Here are practical steps to keep your home safe and sound while you’re away:
1. Make Your Home Look Lived-In
- Pause mail and deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them to avoid mail piling up at your door or mailbox. Don’t forget about newspaper or other subscription deliveries too
- Arrange snow removal — like unretrieved mail, an un-shoveled driveway could indicate vacancy
- Use timers or smart plugs for lights, radios, or TVs to mimic daily activity. With more advanced automation systems, you can vary the schedule for a more natural and lived-in look
2. Secure Against Break-Ins
- Double-check locks on all doors and windows. Don’t forget about any basement windows, doors, and garage entries
- Install deadbolts and slide locks on patio doors
- Test your alarm system. Be sure that any installed alarm systems are working properly and activate remote monitoring services if you have them available
- Avoid posting travel plans on social media, as you never know who might see them. Thieves watch for these clues, so wait until you’re back from your trip before posting those pics!
3. Prevent Frozen Pipes & Water Damage
- Turn off your main water supply and drain your pipes if you’ll be away for an extended period. This could avoid costly damage to your home in the event of a burst pipe while you’re away
- Don’t forget about appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Consider shutting off the water to these devices to avoid any leaks
- If leaving water on, keep heat at a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
Insulate any pipes in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces
4. Use Smart Tech for Peace of Mind
- Install a smart security system with cameras and remote monitoring
- Enable motion-activated outdoor lights to deter intruders
- Consider a smart thermostat for remote temperature control. Also, if the furnace dies or power goes out while you’re away, a smart-monitoring system will let you know there’s a problem
- Speaking of the furnace – this may be the right time to schedule a furnace inspection and replace filters. Any overworked furnace or a clogged filter has the potential to start a fire in the home
5. Prepare for Emergencies
- Leave a contact number with a neighbour, friend, or family member to get in touch with you in case of emergency
- Arrange to have a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member come by and check on your home every few days. Have them walk through the home, including the basement, to make sure there are no signs of trouble
- Keep an emergency kit at home with flashlights, batteries, and backup heat sources in case of power outages
A little preparation can go a long way. By securing your home and planning ahead, you can enjoy your holiday travels worry-free.
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