Home Trends courtesy of Paul Beauchemin

Paul Beauchemin

PROTECT YOUR HOMEWHEN YOU’RE AWAY No one wants to return from a business trip or vacation to find their home damaged or that they’ve fallen victim to vandalism or robbery. Deter criminals by following these eight steps to ensure your home remains safe and sound while you’re travelling: 1. Make sure all doors and windows are locked. 2. Drain pipes and turn off water. 3. Install motion sensors and timed lighting to make your house look lived in. 4. Unplug appliances, heaters and accessories. 5. Have someone clear flyers and newspapers off of your front stoop as well as check on your home regularly. 6. Depending on the season, arrange for someone to shovel snow off your sidewalks and driveway or to mow the lawn. 7. Resist the urge to post details of your trip on social media as prowlers often scour the internet for potential victims. 8. If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, consider hiring a local home security company to conduct regular patrols.

Alberta: 780.994.7289 • www.paulbeauchemin.com