Protect Your Home

You’ve worked hard to furnish your home or apartment with things you love. Make sure you’re protected if your home or apartment is damaged or broken into. Have a look at our Home and Property Insurance Checklist to get a better idea of your insurance needs.

Anti-burglary Tips

Know Your Enemy
“Case” your apartment or house and property the way a thief would. Find your weak spots first and eliminate them.

Let There Be Light
Exterior lighting that’s installed out of easy reach will deny thieves the darkness they find so comforting.

Room With a View?
Is a valuable painting or treasured antique easy to see from the outside? Consider rearranging some of your furnishings, or installing blinds or shutters.

Lock It Up
Install good locks and use them. Deadbolt locks offer the best protection on your doors. Consider removable bolts for windows. Add an extra lock to sliding glass doors or lay a wooden rod into the slide track. Don’t forget about the locks on your garage – especially if it’s attached.

Protection vs Privacy
Locate trees and shrubs away from your doorways or other likely break–in spots. Keep them trimmed. Think carefully before installing high fences around your property – privacy is an asset to an intruder.

Be an Illusionist
Make it look like someone’s at home by using timers for your interior lights, stereos and television when you’re away for extended periods. Get a friend or neighbour to collect your mail and flyers. Make summer arrangements to have your grass cut and in winter, to clear your driveway and sidewalk.

Carry It With You
Try not to hide spare keys outdoors. Thieves seem to have an uncanny ability to find your ‘great’ hiding spots.

Top 6 Things to Have in the House

Home Security Alarm
Home security alarms are proven to scare off would-be burglars and vandals and can alert local authorities quickly.

Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms save lives so make sure yours are tested each month. Install them on every level of the home, especially near each bedroom.

Fire Extinguisher
Dry chemical, ABC-rated fire extinguishers are effective on common combustibles, flammable liquids and fire involving electrical equipment. Place one in the kitchen and have it inspected annually.

Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector should be installed on every level of the house and located near sleeping areas. Evacuate the house immediately should the alarm sound.

Sump Pump
Install a sump pump to prevent basement flooding and test it at least once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

Electrical Safety
Don’t overload electrical outlets, which can result in a shock or fire. Ensure all cords and plugs are in good condition, and use extension cords for temporary power only.