Learn what you can do — and what to do when the unexpected happens.

Lock up!

Locking your home is such a simple action — it's remarkable how often we forget to do so. An alarming number of break-ins occur simply because a homeowner hasn't locked up, and if a break-in occurs with your door unlocked, you could have a harder time with an insurance claim.

Lock your door behind you whenever you enter and exit. Lock it when you're home, when you're in the backyard, and when you go to bed — every summer, the Ottawa Police issue public warnings about exactly this. Lock the garage door when you're not using it, and don't forget your windows. Thieves are opportunists; don't give them the opportunity.

Test your security system

Simple, but too often overlooked. It's recommended you test your home security system every few months — at the very least, have it looked at annually. Contact us to set up an appointment, and always notify the monitoring station before setting off any test alarms, or you could wind up responsible for false-alarm fines.

Garage & shed security

Keep garages and sheds locked at all times, especially if they connect to your house. If a burglar is stopped by locked doors and windows, your own tools shouldn't be available to help them finish the job.

Rethink the spare key

Under the doormat, in a flowerpot, under a fake rock — those are the first places an intruder checks. If possible, leave your spare key with a neighbour you trust; otherwise hide it somewhere no one would think of, and use it only in emergencies. Your goal is to never let anyone see you use it.

Keep up appearances

When you head out, leave one indoor and one outdoor light on — an easy and incredibly effective deterrent. Away longer? Have someone collect your mail and paper, mow the lawn or shovel the driveway, and adjust blinds or lights occasionally.

Don't leave valuables like bicycles or tools in plain sight, keep the yard groomed, and make sure exterior lighting doesn't create shadows where someone could hide at night.

Neighbours are allies

Introduce yourself. A friendly relationship means your neighbours know who you are and will keep an eye out for you — and the better you know one another, the more likely you are to notice when something isn't right. That's the foundation of a more secure community.

A few more habits

• Keep 911, emergency numbers, and neighbours' numbers handy
• Report suspicious activity to police — and teach your children to do the same
• Never open the door to a stranger without identification
• Teach kids to say you're "busy," not "away," when strangers call or knock
• If someone comes to your door asking for help, call police, an ambulance, or a tow company for them before letting them in. If they insist you not call, something is probably wrong.