Use this checklist the week before you travel.
Doors and locks
- Front, side and back doors: deadbolts thrown fully, strikes secure.
- Garage-to-house door locked with a deadbolt.
- Garage opener unplugged or locked out if you will be away for a while.
- Patio doors: latch engaged, bar or pin in place.
- No spare keys hidden outside.
Windows
- Ground-floor and basement windows latched.
- Window air conditioners secured or removed.
Signs of occupancy
- Lamps on timers.
- Mail and parcels collected by a neighbour.
- Snow cleared in winter; lawn cut in summer.
House systems
- In winter, keep the heat on to prevent frozen pipes.
- Consider shutting off the main water valve if no one will check the home.
People
- Give a trusted neighbour a temporary keypad code rather than a key, if possible.
- Leave your itinerary and emergency contacts with someone you trust.
If you are not sure who has keys to your Toronto-area home, a rekey before you go is quick: lock rekeying.
The week before you leave
Tell one trusted person your dates and give them a way to reach you. Ask them to collect mail and parcels, move the recycling bin and turn on a light in a different room now and then. Pause deliveries, and do not post about the trip until you are home.
Doors and locks on the day
Walk the house: deadbolts thrown, garage entry locked, patio door bar in place, windows latched. Take a photo of each door as you leave, which also helps if you ever need to show the state of the property. Reset garage opener remotes you are taking away, and never leave a spare key in an obvious hiding place.
If something goes wrong while you are away
Have a locksmith's number saved and tell your helper what to do if they find a door open or damaged: do not go in alone, call police first, then arrange a temporary repair. See holiday security tips and prompt door repair after a break-in.