Canadian Snowbird Association - Travel Tips for Canadians

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THE CSA TRAVELLERS' CHECKLIST
Travel Tips for Canadians
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INTERIOR HOME SECURITY

Telephones & Answering Machines

	Check with your telephone company about putting your telephone line on "vacation service." If vacation service is not available in your area or you choose not to do so, leave an answering machine message that says you are unable to come to the telephone, not that you are away.
		Check your answering machine messages while away and return important messages to reinforce the idea that your home is not vacant.
		Erase unimportant messages while away to disable automatic telling of callers that the message feature is "full."
	Unplug your answering machine if it will not be in use.

Contacts & Regular Visits

	Advise a neighbour that a reliable person will be checking your home, and provide your neighbour with the telephone number of that person.
	Advise a reliable person of your departure and return dates.
	Ask a trustworthy person to inspect the interior of your home. During "normal home heating months" many insurance companies require that you have someone check your home at least once a week (if not more often) to mainly ensure pipes have not frozen or ruptured, etc.
	Check your home/apartment insurance policy for your specific "away" requirements. Many insurance policies have clauses that will void coverage if your property is left unoccupied and unattended for extended periods of time.
	Consider contacting your local police (phone numbers can be found in the blue pages of the telephone directory) to let them know your home will be unoccupied and who will have a key to the premises.
	Consider contracting a house-sitting service if a trustworthy person cannot make regular visits to your home during your absence.

Lighting & Sound

	Change the light bulbs on all interior lighting in consideration of house sitters and/or automatic timing devices.
	Install multiple automatic timers to give the impression of residents moving through the home.
	Stagger your lights and radios by setting the timers in different rooms to go on and off at different times – this gives the impression of residents moving through the rooms.

Personal Belongings

	Ask a reliable person to inspect the interior of your property whenever possible.
	Identify your belongings by engraving or indelible marking.
	Photograph or videotape each room of your home and the contents of drawers and closets.
	Store valuables such as jewellery, documents and heirlooms in a safety deposit box.

Security & Alarm Systems

Ask a reliable person to act as an additional contact with your security company and notify the security company of this addition.

EXTERIOR HOME SECURITY

Doors, Windows & Entry Points

	Close chimney flues, as they can be used as a point of entry by small animals and birds.
	Install deadbolt locks on all perimeter doors.
	Install a locking pin in windows and sliding doors.
	Lock the garage door manually for additional security if you have an electronic garage door opener.
	Place a piece of wood or similar solid object in the tracks of your sliding doors.
	Secure all pet doors. They are a favourite point of entry for burglars, and can be used by small animals and birds.

Mail Re-routing

	Arrange mail forwarding with your local post office.
	Arrange to have your mail collected by a reliable person.
	Contact the CSA (before you leave) with your foreign mailing address to ensure your CSANews magazine and event invitations will be sent to your seasonal home.
	Suspend or cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

Perimeter Security

	Arrange snow shovelling (or lawn maintenance) and sidewalk/driveway clearing of your home with a reputable company, relative or reliable person.
	Ask a reliable person to inspect the perimeter of the property whenever possible.
	Change the light bulbs on all exterior lighting to ensure longer life and consider using timers.
	Consider asking someone to occasionally place one of their bags of weekly garbage and recycling container on the curb in front of your house to give the added appearance of ongoing occupancy.
	Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
	Install motion-sensitive exterior lighting.

Automotive Security

	Arrange to have any spare vehicle brushed of snow to give the impression of regular use.
	=Consider asking someone to routinely move your car, or even leave their car(s) in your driveway to match the lived-in look of your home.
		If your vehicle remains immobile for an extended period, disconnect the battery cables to extend battery life and to prevent auto theft.
		Consider purchasing quick disconnect battery cable ends that are available at most automotive stores.

INTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE

Heating & Plumbing

	Arrange heating and plumbing inspection in accordance with the "away" provisions of your home insurance policy.
	Consider shutting off water and winterizing systems if it is warranted by your type of home.
	Install a programmable thermostat to reduce the heating costs of an empty home.
	Turn off your water, then open all taps to release any water still in the pipes, and leave taps open.
	Turn off water to the washing machine and leave the lid open to prevent mould and mildew.

Electrical

	Arrange electrical inspection in accordance with the "away" provisions of your home insurance policy.
	Remove batteries from remote controls and clocks.
	Turn off all electrical circuits and items such as non-programmable lights and cooking elements.
	Unplug televisions, radios, clocks, etc.

Kitchen Goods & Appliances

	Dispose of perishable foods or donate them to friends, neighbours or a local food bank.
	Place a fresh box of baking soda inside your refrigerator, freezer, and microwave.
	Place dry goods in plastic containers.
	Unplug your refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, and drape a cloth or towel over the door to prevent it from closing, thereby preventing mould and mildew.

EXTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE

Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

Drain all hoses and turn off all pipes that provide water to the exterior of your home (e.g. garden taps) to prevent burst pipes.

Snow Removal

	Arrange snow removal from the perimeter of your property, including driveway, paths, and sidewalk.
	Arrange snow removal from your roof.
		Read your home insurance policy carefully. Some policies do not insure roof collapse due to excess snow-load, especially if you live in an area of high snowfall or a "snow belt."

HOME FINANCES

Assets

	Check your investment portfolio to ensure investments can be left safely during your travels.
	Check the expiration dates on your insurance policies and financial securities such as options and maturing GIC's; it may be illegal for some provincially or federally (Canada) licensed representatives to conduct transactions on your behalf if you are outside your home province or territory.
	Check with your financial institution about putting your accounts on "vacation service" – thereby suspending monthly user fees.
	Move valuables such as jewellery, documents and heirlooms to a safety deposit box.

Liabilities

	Arrange pre-authorized billing and/or Internet banking for credit cards, utilities, and telephone at your Canadian residence.
	Arrange to pay your taxes if they fall due during your travels.
	Check the expiration dates on your credit cards and renew them early if necessary.
	Suspend cable/satellite 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.
	Suspend telephone service for the period you are away. Many providers will allow you to place your account "on vacation," thereby avoiding monthly service charges and long distance savings plan expenses.