Winter is a popular time for travel in Ontario. Whether you are heading south for a vacation, visiting family, or spending time at a cottage, leaving your home unattended during the colder months comes with unique security risks. Shorter days, harsh weather, and seasonal routines can make properties more vulnerable to break ins, damage, and emergencies.
The good news is that with the right planning and the right security tools, you can enjoy your time away while keeping your home protected.
Why Winter Increases Security Risks
Winter creates ideal conditions for opportunistic crime and unexpected property issues. Darkness arrives earlier, snow can hide footprints, and many homes are left unoccupied for extended periods.
Common winter risks include:
- Break ins while the home is empty
- Frozen pipes and water damage
- Fire hazards from heating systems
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Missed deliveries or visible absence
Criminals often look for signs that a home is not occupied. Unshovelled driveways, dark windows, and overflowing mail can signal that no one is home.
Make Your Home Look Lived In
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to make your home appear occupied.
Smart lighting systems can turn lights on and off at scheduled times or when motion is detected. Interior and exterior lights create the appearance of activity and discourage unwanted attention.
You can also ask a neighbour to:
- Collect mail and packages
- Shovel the driveway or walkway
- Park in your driveway occasionally
These small actions help maintain the appearance of a lived in home.
Secure All Entry Points
Before leaving, inspect every door, window, and access point.
Make sure:
- All doors and windows are locked
- Garage doors are secured
- Sliding doors have reinforced locks
- Basement windows are protected
Smart locks and door sensors provide extra peace of mind by allowing you to check lock status remotely and receive alerts if a door is opened.
If you have an alarm system, ensure it is armed and functioning properly before you leave.
Use Video Surveillance for Visibility
Security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents and monitoring tools, especially in winter.
Modern camera systems allow you to:
- View live video remotely
- Receive motion alerts
- Check on deliveries
- Monitor activity during storms
Visible cameras discourage intruders, while recorded footage provides valuable evidence if an incident occurs.
For winter travel, cameras at entry points, driveways, and backyards are particularly useful.
Professional Monitoring Provides Constant Protection
When you are away from home, professional monitoring becomes even more valuable.
If an alarm is triggered due to a break in, fire, or environmental hazard, a monitoring centre can respond immediately and dispatch emergency services.
This ensures that:
- Help is sent even if you are unreachable
- Issues are addressed quickly
- Damage is minimized
- Your property is protected around the clock
Self monitored systems rely on you seeing alerts and responding in real time. While travelling, that may not always be possible.
Protect Against Winter Environmental Risks
Protect Your Home from FireÂ
Winter brings increased fire risks due to heating systems, fireplaces, space heaters, and holiday decorations.
Before leaving, make sure:
- Smoke alarms are working
- Heating systems are serviced
- Fireplaces are properly maintained
- Space heaters are unplugged
- Combustible items are cleared away
Monitored smoke detectors add an extra layer of safety by alerting emergency services if a fire is detected while the home is empty.
Avoid Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter problems for vacant homes. A burst pipe can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time.
To reduce risk:
- Keep the heat set to a safe minimum temperature
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Shut off the main water supply if possible
- Use water and freeze sensors
Smart water sensors detect leaks and freezing conditions early. When paired with monitoring, they can trigger alerts and prompt immediate action before damage becomes severe.
Manage Deliveries and Online Orders
Winter travel often coincides with online shopping and holiday deliveries. Packages left outside for days are easy targets for theft and signal that no one is home.
Video doorbells allow you to:
- See when packages arrive
- Speak to delivery drivers
- Monitor your porch remotely
You can also pause deliveries, use secure drop locations, or have a trusted neighbour collect items while you are away.
Use Smart Home Technology for Peace of Mind
Modern security systems integrate multiple tools into one platform.
With a mobile app, you can:
- Check system status
- View camera feeds
- Lock doors
- Adjust lights
- Receive real time alerts
This level of control allows you to stay connected to your home no matter where you are.
Winter travel should be relaxing, not stressful. By taking a few proactive steps and using the right security technology, you can protect your home from break ins, fire, carbon monoxide, and winter damage.
Professional monitoring, smart cameras, environmental sensors, and automated lighting all work together to keep your home safe while you are away.
With proper preparation, you can enjoy your winter getaway knowing your home is protected, monitored, and secure.
