Smart Winter Getaway Prep: Protect Your Home Before You Travel

For many Canadians, winter is the perfect time to escape the cold and enjoy a well-deserved out-of-province or international break. But before you pack your bags, make sure your home is protected. From frozen pipes to security risks, an empty house in winter can lead to preventable damage. With a bit of planning, you can leave with confidence knowing your home is safe.

Review Your Home Insurance Requirements: If your home will be unoccupied, your policy may require specific steps, permission, or an endorsement to keep coverage active. Before heading out, double-check:

• How long your home can remain unoccupied.
• What conditions you must meet to maintain coverage.
• Whether someone must check your home periodically.

A quick review now can prevent unexpected claim issues later.

Ask a Trusted Person to Check In: Smart home tech is helpful, but nothing replaces in-person oversight. During winter travel, arrange for a neighbour, friend, or family member to check your home every few days. This person should:

• Do a full walkaround and take a quick video.
• Pick up mail or parcels.
• Spot leaks, drafts, or concerns early.
• Contact you promptly if something’s wrong.

Regular check-ins every 3 days or so help keep your home safe and secure.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing: Frozen pipes are a top winter claim and one of the easiest to prevent.

• Shut off the main water supply and drain pipes before you leave.
• If leaving water on, use a smart leak sensor and automatic shutoff valve for real-time monitoring.
• Keep the heat set to a minimum safe temperature (generally 15°C/60°F).

These steps help avoid costly water damage.

Arrange Snow & Ice Removal: A driveway buried in snow is a clear sign no one is home.

• Plan for snow removal while you’re away, either through a neighbour or a professional service. It improves safety, reduces liability risks, and helps your home appear lived-in.

Manage Mail and Deliveries: Uncollected mail or packages signal an empty home.

• Set up Canada Post mail forwarding where possible.
• Have someone collect items that can’t be forwarded.
• Pause regular deliveries and subscriptions.

This keeps your property looking active and reduces the risk of a break-in.

Install Smart Cameras or Monitoring Tools: Smart cameras, doorbells, and motion-activated alerts let you check in anytime.

• Many systems offer two-way audio or optional professional monitoring, and visible cameras may deter would-be intruders.

Upgrade Smoke, CO & Flood Protection: Modern safety devices provide better peace of mind when you’re travelling:

• Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that send phone alerts.
• Backup sump pump systems (battery or water pump) helps prevent basement flooding in the event of a power outage..

These upgrades help safeguard your home from unexpected issues.

Secure Outdoor Items: Winter weather can turn unsecured items into hazards. Before you go:

• Store or tie down outdoor furniture.
• Remove fragile or wind-catching décor.
• Lock tools, ladders, and equipment.

This helps prevent both property damage and safety risks.

Use Light Timers or Smart Lighting: Set timers to mimic typical lighting patterns, or use smart bulbs to randomly adjust lights.

This helps your home appear occupied and discourages unwanted attention.

Prepare for Winter Weather Surprises: Before departing:

• Unplug unnecessary electronics.
• Remove perishables from the fridge.
• Make sure your furnace and detectors are functioning properly.
• Confirm all windows and doors are locked and sealed.

These final steps help ensure your home is ready for whatever winter brings.

Leaving for a winter getaway doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few proactive measures, you can travel comfortably knowing your home is protected and that your insurance coverage remains in good standing.