5 tips for keeping your home safe this summer

4. Shut it off. If you're going on vacation for more than a few weeks, turn off the water to your home and drain the lines (turn on your taps for a few minutes and flush your toilets). The less water and pressure there is, the safer your home will be if a pipe, toilet or tank happens to burst. With the water on, even a tiny leak can cause devastating damage in a short period of time. Also shut off the gas and pilot lights in your furnace and electric appliances to minimize the chance of ignition if ever a gas leak occurs or the pilot light blows.

5. Make a friend. Find a friend or neighbour you trust to keep an eye on your home. Have her cut the grass, park a car in your driveway, pick up your mail and even put out some extra garbage on garbage day. Inside, she can occasionally adjust the blinds or other visible property. Guardians can also check for any water, fire or wind damage and stop it from spreading. Most insurance companies require someone to visit the home every 48 to 72 hours for your policy to be valid, so be sure to discuss the requirements with your broker before leaving.
 
Tips and tricks
• Homes with dogs are less likely to be broken into. No canine companion? Put a dog dish by your back door so a thief will think there is an animal living in your home.
• In the case of a leak or flood, water will cascade down walls or follow electrical paths; place important artwork in the middle of a bed with nothing around it to minimize risk of damage.
• Water always settles in the basement or crawl space. Make sure everything that's stored there (especially family photos) is in a waterproof container.
• Take a photo or video record of your valuables and your house. In the case of theft or other damage, the record will help the insurance company, police and/or contractor recover your possessions or restore your home to its original condition.

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