Home Checklist

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, there are a number of things you should do prior to leaving in order to increase the level of security of your home.  These include:

Telephones & Answering Machines

  • Ensure your answering machine says that you are unable to come to the telephone, NOT that you are away
  • While you are away, check your messages on a regular basis and return important messages.  Delete messages once they are heard so that your mailbox will not become full and tip off callers that you are not home

 

 Lights & Sounds

  • Install multiple automatic timers on lights and radios (and stagger the timing) to give the impression of residents moving through your home
  • Change the light bulbs on all exterior lighting to ensure longer life and consider installing motion-sensing lights

 

Personal Belongings/Valuables

  • Photograph or videotape each room of your home and the contents of drawers and closets
  • Store valuables such as jewelry, documents and heirlooms in a safety deposit box

 

Security & Alarm Systems

  • If you have a home security system, notify your service provider that A Trusted Neighbour will be checking your home and provide them with our contact info


Doors, Windows & Back Yard

  • Secure all perimeter doors with deadbolt locks and install locking pins or pieces of wood in sliding doors and windows
  • Padlock all sheds and gates and remove any ‘hidden keys’ from flower pots, mailboxes etc

 

Mail Re-routing

  • Make arrangements with Canada Post to forward your mail or put it on hold for the duration of your trip www.canadapost.ca
  • Suspend or cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions

 

Automotive Security

  • Consider having A Trusted Neighbour routinely move your car to match the lived in look of your home
  • If your vehicle will be immobile for an extended period, disconnect the battery cables to extend battery life and to prevent auto theft

 

Heating & Plumbing

  • Install a programmable thermostat to reduce the heating costs of an empty home
  • Turn off your water, and then open all taps to release any water still in pipes, and leave taps open.  Do the same for exterior taps to prevent burst pipes


Electrical

  • Turn off all electrical circuits and items such as non-programmable lights and cooking elements
  • Unplug televisions, DVD players, computers, radios and clocks etc.

 

Kitchen

  • Place a fresh box of baking soda inside your refrigerator, freezer and microwave
  • Unplug your empty refrigerator, freezer and microwave, and drape a cloth or towel over the door to prevent it from closing, thereby preventing mould and mildew


Home Finances

  • Arrange pre-authorized billing or internet banking for credit cards, utilities, etc
  • Suspend cable/satellite and telephone service for the period you are away.  Many providers will allow you to place your account ‘on vacation’ for a fixed flat rate maintenance amount