So far the winter season in Toronto is turning out not to be so snow laden as last year but unfortunately our weather is pretty unpredictable and anything can happen. One thing is for sure is that outdoor architecture sure changes around our homes during the winter months and it is really important to make sure it doesn’t work in favor of the would be crooks who may be looking for the right opportunity to break into our homes.

We have often talked about the summer months and what you can do to ensure that your landscaping isn’t providing adequate cover for a crook trying to gain entry to your home. It is just as important to consider this during the winter months.

When we get a large amount of snow we tend to clear our walkways and driveways by piling up the snow on our front lawns. Without realizing it we may be provide some great camouflage for the break in artist. These big piles of snow may obscure the view of your front windows enough that a thief can take his time on trying to break in through the window and not worry about being seen from the street.

When it comes to looking from the inside out most of like to have a clear view of who may be on our property, yet want some type of privacy to prevent those on the outside from looking in. Our shrubbery that we use in front of our windows often work well for this. In the winter however if they become snow laden then our inside view is obscured as well. Every once in a while give those small evergreens a little shake to remove the snow from them.

Just as uncut grass may be an indicator that there is nobody home for a period of time,  snow on our driveways, entrances and steps  can send out the same message. If you are planning on being away for a period of time during the winter months, then make arrangements with a trustworthy company or individual to attend to the snow removal.

While we have talked about how the winter landscape can make the home vulnerable to thievery, we also have to consider that it can be potentially dangerous on a personal level for seniors. Just going out to put the trash out or pick up the mail, can create a precarious situation for them. This is an ideal time to make sure that the seniors in your life who are living alone or are alone for periods of time have a life alert system to rely on. Keeping up with your security requirements is something you want to make sure you follow through with.