Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Weekend… Safely

Another long weekend and many of us will be going to the cottage or to spend time with family and celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend. Are you prepared to do it safely? There are some simple things you can do that will increase your security.

The day before you leave, take some time to cut the grass and hedges. You want your home to appear like somebody is home, and freshly cut grass is a good indicator.

While you are out cutting the grass, talk to your trusted neighbour and ask him/her to remove the newspapers and fliers from your door step and mailbox every day. Nothing says nobody is home like an over flowing mailbox and weathered newspapers at the foot of the door. You can also invite your neighbour to park a car in your driveway too.

Old fashioned timers may seem old school, but they can be a very cost-effective way of protecting your home. Lights coming on and off at normal times, as well as a radio or TV, is far more effective than leaving a light on in a room for 3 or 4 days straight. In fact, a light that is never off may be a great indicator that the house is unoccupied.

Don’t hide keys outside your home. The floor pot beside the back door or the hook under the steps isn’t fooling anyone. If somebody needs access to your home while you away give them a key, and ask for it back when you return. It never hurts to have your locks rekeyed periodically. This eliminates the mystery of who might have keys to your home.

Leave your curtains and or blinds exactly like you always keep them. Unless you have steel security shutters, closing all your curtains and drapes sends a clear signal that the house is unoccupied. And even worse… if an intruder does gain access to the house, your neighbours and police won’t be able to see in.

And of course, don’t forget to ARM your Alarm System! When the festivities over and you’ve finished all you Turkey leftover sandwiches, call us to discuss how we can help you secure your home and family. Until then, pass the cranberry sauce and ENJOY!