Constable
Marc Trioreau, RCMP Community Policing Officer for the Trinity Conception
District
1. House Safety tips
If you have ever experienced a home break-in or know someone who has, you probably know how frustrating,
inconvenient and expensive it can be. You often feel a sense of personal
violation, and it takes some time to get over it.
Here are some security tips to consider
before you leave on vacation:
1. Keep a current inventory list of
your personal belongings. You can obtain free inventory booklets from many
insurance companies. Keep receipts of your articles of value, such as
cameras, jewelry, art, stereo equipment, furniture, etc.
2. Take photographs or a video of your
rooms and belongings for additional support in case you have to make a
claim. Mark your valuable assets for identification purposes, in case they
are stolen. You can generally borrow a special marker from your local
police department.
3. Keep a copy of your inventory list,
receipts and photographs in a safety deposit box, in case your home burns
down. Check on the deductible amount you must pay if you make a claim.
Generally it is $500. The higher the deductible, the lower the insurance
premium.
4. Get extra coverage for more
expensive items such as jewelry, as the limit may be $2,000 for any
claim.
5. Don't leave a message on your
answering machine that says you are away.
6. Arrange with Canada Post to forward
your mail or hold it until your return or get someone to pick up the mail
for you.
7. If you are away in the winter, have
a reliable neighborhood friend or student clear the snow from your
sidewalk or at least tramp it down.
8. Store small valuables in a safety
deposit box. Store expensive items such as a TV or stereo with a friend or
relative if you are away for an extended time, or move them out of sight
if they can be seen from a window.
9. Use timers to activate lights and
radios when going out or away.
10. Keep garage doors locked and
windows covered.
11. Secure air conditioners and other
openings into your home.
12. Change your locks if keys are lost
or stolen.
13. Make sure door hinge bolts face
inside the house. Install one inch deadbolt locks on exterior doors. Doorknob locks are
unreliable and easily forced.
14. Insert a metal piece or fitted
wood into sliding glass door tracks.
15. Reinforce basement windows with
bars.
Taking a few precautions before you
leave town could save you unnecessary anguish upon your return, and will
give you peace of mind while you're away. Finally, don't forget to check
your insurance policy in terms of long absences. Many policies could be
voided if the house is empty over 30 days, unless arrangements are made to
have someone check your home. The key concern from an insurance company's
perspective is vandalism or arson.
If you have any suggestions, ideas or
comments in relation to this article, please feel free to let me know.
