Home Safety Tips for The Holidays (Part 2) - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

Greg provides some home break-in prevention tips for the holiday season in the second segment of this two-part episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.

If you missed Part 1, you can catch it here.

Here's a full transcript of this episode:

Rob Carnie: With Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw. Greg, the holiday season is upon us. And we'll continue now with more tips from you. The last time we had you on Ask the Expert, we were talking about safeguarding our cars and our homes from thieves. It's prime time at this time of year for break enter and theft.

Greg Marcyniuk: Again, unfortunately, the criminals out there are always looking for an opportunity and unfortunately, this time of year there is lots of opportunity because people are out buying things and new things, and those are the type of things that thieves like to get their hands on. So, again, previously, we do have this information on our blog, on our website at nohassleinsurance.ca. There's 26 tips to go through.

Again, as far as with the keys, you never wanna give keys out to any service people. Make sure that you have the key, let them in, and let them out. Don't ever give them the keys. Avoid bragging about what you received over the holiday season or what you hope to get because that's just out there. Again, Facebook is just — you really wanna be careful, anything like that on the social media. As well, install exterior lighting and make sure that exterior lighting is on timers, as I'd mentioned before.

The other thing, once you do receive the valuables, make sure you record the serial numbers or else keep the receipts in a safe place because when it does come to a claim, it's so much easier when you have proof of ownership.

Place the TV or radio on a remote control, and, you know, turn it up so, again, it appears that someone is gone. Lower the sound of your answering phone or your answering service or your telephone, because people, if you have it on high and if you do change your answering service, which a lot of people will do over the holiday, saying, "We're not gonna be back until a certain time." There's another tell-tale sign.

And never leave notes on the door indicating that you're gone, because again, there's a big flashing sign there. And have your phone calls forwarded to your cell phone, is another thing which thieves sometimes will use and they do sometimes call.

Do no invite strangers into your homes, regardless of whom they are. Just not a good idea. And be a good idea. Be a good neighbor and watch your neighborhood and notify the police if you see something suspicious.

So, again, just — these are some ideas in preventing theft and helping others. Because, again, we don't want the holiday season to be a bad season. We want you to have a safe and joyous season.

Rob: One more thing that you mentioned before, and that is, when we do receive valuables, over the holidays as gifts, things like televisions, things like electronics — we should photograph these things.

Greg: Photograph them without a doubt. Put them — there's different apps that are available that you can put them on so that you do have them there. And keep them in a safe place so that you do have proof of ownership. Just makes it so much easier at times to claim it. Again, I will mention, always best to get a home security system that is a monitored alarm system. The number one deterrent for burglars and you also save money on your insurance.

(Video transcription by Speechpad)

Home Safety Tips for The Holidays (Part 2) - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

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