Get Your Home Ready Before Your Winter Trip
A winter vacation is a welcome break for many Canadians, offering time to relax and recharge. But while you’re away, cold temperatures and stormy weather can create hazards for an empty home. Unchecked pipes, heavy snowfall, and visible signs of vacancy can increase the risk of damage or theft. Taking time to prepare your home before departure helps ensure safety and keeps it protected throughout your absence.
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.
Whether you’re heading out of province or taking a long-awaited vacation, preparing your home for winter conditions is one of the most valuable steps you can take. From arranging regular check-ins to managing snow removal, preventing frozen pipes, and installing smart monitoring tools, each precaution helps reduce risk and keeps your home secure. With proper planning, you can travel with confidence and return home just as you left it.