Cottages and summer homes are most vulnerable to thieves and subject to damage or vandalism in the off-season—from the week following Thanksgiving to the weeks prior to Victoria Day—especially if the owners are not using them regularly in the fall, winter or spring.  From the Labour Day weekend onward, many cottage and seasonal property owners begin considering the closure and winterizing of their properties. The Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA) wants to help you protect your investment, year-round. Remember, the cost of owning a cottage or summer property could include the frustration and irritation of repairing damage and replacing stolen property, if no one is living there or checking it regularly.

Cottage Closing Tips from FOCA:

• Secure your windows and doors.
• Close window curtains or blinds, and put up shutters to protect the interior from marauders (animal or human), storm protection and theft prevention.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly (replace if necessary) and ensure they have fresh batteries. You should have detectors on all floors and outside all sleeping areas.
• Leave no valuables at the cottage (electronics, personal items, tools) unless you’re prepared to lose them.
• Lock up sporting goods that you decide must stay year-round (fishing rods & equipment, water skis, toys).
• Record the serial numbers of anything of value left behind. Marking your valuables with a drivers’ license # can help deter a thief or aid in property recovery.
• Remove all food, and anything that may attract animals.
• Pack up and take home all alcohol.
• Don’t leave firearms or weapons at the cottage.
• If you are leaving vehicles, boats, ATVs or snow machines, make sure they’re winterized and secure.
• Leave nothing on trailers unless it is locked or disabled.
• Defrost and unplug the refrigerator. Place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to keep odours away.
• If you have propane appliances make sure they are properly shut down.
• Drain all water pipes, water heaters and fixtures, to avoid freezing.
• Scatter moth balls in the attic and anywhere small animals or bugs might gather.
• Organize snow removal if it will be required over the winter.
• Make a list of where everything is and make copies. Store one copy on your home computer and put a copy with items that will go back up to the cottage on your next trip.
• Designate a year-round contact or key-holder for: alarms, thefts, weather damage or animal problems.
• Know which police force patrols your cottage area (OPP Bancroft).
• Set up a network of neighbors to prevent and detect crime in your area, know your neighbours, their movements and vehicles, and connect with the local OPP detachment. Watching out for suspicious activity in and around your neighbours’ property can go a long way to lowering the incidence of property crime.

Source: FOCA.on.ca. The SLCA is a member of FOCA