Home Safety
Other Tips
- Take a photo inventory of every room in your home.
- Take a photo or video of every wall and closet in every room of your home to show the contents of each room/closet.
- Make duplicate copies of the photos/videos and store them offsite.
- If you ever need to make an insurance claim, having photographic evidence may make the claim process less stressful.
- When photographing jewellery or collectibles, use a ruler to show the item's size.
- Your house address numbers must be posted in front of your home.
- If you have a rear lane, also post your house address numbers on the rear of your home.
- If emergency personnel are coming to your home, they need to see the address very quickly.
- Your house address numbers must be easily read from the street (and rear lane).
- Must be well-lit at night.
- House address numbers must be high contrast: dark numbers on a light background or light numbers on a dark background.
- Do not use brass or other shiny metals as they are not visible at night.
- If you live in a townhouse complex, make sure your unit number is posted prominently on your unit and that clear, concise directions to all units are posted at all entrances to your complex.
Vacation Tips
- Check your home insurance policy before you go on vacation. Some insurance providers do not cover losses unless someone checks your home on a regular basis.
- Don't let mail or newspapers pile up, have a trusted neighbour collect them.
- Set timers to your lights to help make your home look occupied.
- In the summer, arrange to have the yard maintained, in the winter, have the snow shovelled.
- Wait until you return home to post your vacation photos on Facebook, your blog or Twitter account.
- Never hide or store spare keys outside your home. Criminals know where to look!
- Have your computer CPUs bolted to the desk or floor. Store computer backups in a different location from the computer.
- Change locks upon moving into a new residence. Make sure all house keys are accounted for.
- Have a non-traditional hiding place or Safety Deposit Box for valuables.
- If you have a pet entrance, make sure it is not accessible to people.
- Post all emergency and neighbours telephone numbers by the phone.
