Tips For Snowbirds

Take an inventory of your goods and ensure it is in a safe place away from your home. If you do suffer a loss, it will make filing a claim much easier. It's difficult to remember how many CDs you have, what the winter boots look like and what the pattern of Granny's silver was. Use a tape recorder, video camera or Polaroid to speed up the process. Or use a company that specialises in videotaping belongings.

Put your valuables in a safety deposit box. Your insurance company will help if you suffer a loss, but sentimental items can never be replaced.

Remember that your homeowner's policy will cover your possessions temporarily removed from your home - that includes the contents of your suitcase - so keep track of what you've packed.

DON'T ADVERTISE THAT YOUR HOME IS EMPTY - Give your home that "lived-in" look while you're away.

Leave your keys with a trusted neighbour who can turn your lights on and off, open and close your curtains, bring in the circulars, mow your lawn or shovel the snow, move your car or park theirs in your driveway.

If you are going to be away for more than two days, ask Canada Post to hold your mail and call the newspaper office to stop delivery until you return.

If you are leaving in winter for more than four days, you must arrange to have someone check on your home or shut off the water and appliances and drain the pipes. This is because of the risk of freezing pipes and the damage that would be caused after several days of water pouring into your home. Some companies could disallow the claim if you haven't made arrangements.

Timers are inexpensive and effective, especially the multiple-program type. Using them on lights or certain appliances gives your home a "lived-in" look that thwarts robbers: there's nothing quite as effective as a light or radio that suddenly goes on.

Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked. Put a block of wood along the track of your sliding doors to prevent them from being forced open.

In an apartment building, ask a fellow tenant you know fairly well to pick up the flyers and other things that accumulate in front of your door.

Follow these simple tips and don't give thieves any breaks!