|
Good planning means
peace of mind while you're on vacation
QUEBEC, July 5 /CNW Telbec/ - CAA-Quebec
reminds thousands of Quebeckers who are preparing to head
off on vacation that by following a few simple rules, they
can leave for a prolonged time without worrying that their
home will become a target for thieves or that they will
come back to find that damage has occurred during their
absence.
"It isn't enough to check that the doors and windows are
locked before going on vacation. Your home must also look
lived in while you are away so that thieves stay away.
Over 150,000 break-ins occur each year in Canadian homes,
and summer is the favourite season for burglars, so it is
important to take these security measures very seriously,"
noted Ms. Sophie Gagnon, Director, Public and Government
Relations, CAA-Quebec. "What's more, taking a few simple
steps can help avoid serious problems, such as fire or
flooding," added Ms. Gagnon.
Discouraging burglars
A family member or neighbour can help make your home look
lived in with a
few simple yet strategic actions. For example, this
"guardian angel" can pick
up your mail and flyers, park their car in your driveway
now and again and
even put their garbage or recycling bin in front of your
home on the
appropriate days. It is also very important that you give
that person your
itinerary so that you can be reached if there is an
emergency. Having your
grass mowed regularly also gives the impression that your
home is occupied.
Prevention
If you cannot count on someone to help you in this way,
there are still
some things you can do to make your home less inviting to
intruders.
Suspending newspaper and mail delivery, notifying your
alarm system company of
your absence, installing timers on lamps in different
rooms throughout your
home and a movement detector to outside light fixtures are
a few examples. It
is a good idea to store bicycles, garden tools and any
outside furniture under
lock and key, as well as any ladders or tools that
burglars could use.
"Finally, CAA-Quebec recommends that you not alter your
phone message to
indicate your vacation time. This way you won't advertise
your travel plans to
any ill-intentioned people," Ms. Gagnon said.
Avoiding damage
To avoid any unwelcome surprises when you get back from
vacation, you
should turn off your main water source if no one is coming
by to water your
garden during your absence. It is also wise to unplug
electrical appliances to
avoid fire risks during a storm, for example.
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904,
provides
automotive, travel, residential and financial services,
benefits and
privileges to its approximately 850,000 members.
For further information: Montreal: Roxanne Héroux, (514)
861-7111,
extension 3210; Quebec: Brenda Sanfaçon, (418) 624-2424,
extension 2309 |
