Regardless of whether your cottage is located in a remote area or tight-knit community, you probably still have concerns about break-ins. Even when theft isn’t a big consideration—like when the highest ticket item in the cottage a hand-me-down sofa—having a security system is still a must.
Having a security system in place can protect you from the obvious (theft) but it can also alert you to animal break-ins and damages to your property, like burst pipes and flooding.
“I suggest to all my customers that they get an alarm system,”says Dan Moreau, who is a retired police officer and chief inspector and CEO of Cottage Choppers Property Service, in Barrie, ON. “If you don’t have one you’re vulnerable.”
It’s ultra-important to have someone check in on your property when you’re not there too—especially if you want to maintain your insurance coverage. “If you’re not having someone check on your policy on a regular basis, your policy may not cover you at all,” says Moreau. “Read the fine print in your insurance policy, especially where it relates to leaving a property vacant to unattended.”
Animals are a main concern
Moreau explains that breaks in are not a major worry of most of his clients, but animals, like racoons, mice and bats, can get into your cottage and wreak major havoc. “There are systems that go off if there is an animal intrusion,” says Moreau. “These include motion sensors, and many have sensitivity levels that can pick up anything bigger than a mouse.” There are also systems that include glass break sensors, in case of a human break-in, or if a bird flies into your window and breaks the glass.
No cell service, no problem
If your cottage is located in an area that won’t allow you to make a clear cell phone call or have WiFi, you can still get a security system. For most basic systems, all you need is the capability to run a landline telephone (remember those?). “You can get a landline telephone and run security through that,” says Moreau. This type of system is also quite cost-effective if you want a little security without breaking the bank. “Monitoring is where the expense comes from. An alarm company hires people to sit there and answer phones and charges you $25 to $30 a month for that service.”
If you go with a basic system, there are a few different ways it can work. A common one is that an alarm goes off dials a number, whether it’s your number in the city or one of your neighbours. That way you can hypothetically go check on the property should the alarm goes off.
However, Moreau advises proceeding with caution when checking on a break-in: If you hear your neighbour’s alarm going off, dial 911. If you see someone coming and going, try to get a description or license plate, but don’t approach them or attempt to make a citizens arrest.” Instead of putting yourself in danger, he says “aim to become a good witness.” And if you have a friend checking on your property, advise them to do the same.
Get a motion sensor light
At the least, a motion-sensor outdoor light never hurts as a deterrent, according to Moreau. “As a cop, a lot of the break and enters I’ve seen may have been prevented if they had a motion sensor light outside.”
Lock your boats
If you’re storing valuable boats in the garage or boathouse, invest in security for that space. “If you have an expensive boat, make sure it’s in an alarmed garage or boathouse,” says Moreau.
Watch out for water damage
Besides burglary and animals, water damage is another concern. “In winter, many people leave their water and heat on low, so it’s ready if they come up occasionally.” However, he explains that if the place isn’t being checked on regularly, and you happen to get an interruption in the heat source, pipes start freezing.” This can lead to all kinds of problems and potential water damage, so opt for a system with a water damage sensor and a low-temperate sensor if this is a concern.
Double up
Ideally, go for both a security system and a friend, neighbour or trust key-holder to check in on your property and have a system set up to keep you in the know, when you’re there and when you’re not.
When in doubt, cover it up
A lot of cottagers don’t have an alarm system—and they don’t really worry about it. If you’re one of these folks, Moreau advises you not to leave anything in your cottage that you can’t afford to lose. If you have to leave some goods behind, keep it low-key. “Anything of value should be covered, and keep your curtains closed,” says Moreau.
Here are some home security devices that include some of these features:
Image courtesy of Ring/Best Buy
All-in-one security system
This system includes a base station, keypad, four contact sensors and a motion detector. It can also send alerts to directly your phone or tablet, but there is the option to buy into a 24/7 monitoring plan for a monthly fee.
Image courtesy of Resideo/ Home Depot
Water leak and freeze detector
This handy battery-powered device can be placed wherever a leak is likely, such as near a sump pump, sink, basement drain or water heater. If it detects even a small amount of water, it notifies you—something that could end up saving you thousands of dollars in damages. It can also measure temperature, helping you stay ahead of frozen pipes, and humidity.
Image courtesy of Globe Electric/Walmart
Door and window alarm system
This simple alarm can be placed on any door or window, alerting you when they’re opened via an app on your phone.
Image courtesy of Ideal/Home Depot
Contact alarm
This easy-to-install, affordable system sets off an alert when doors or windows are opened. Great for alerting you to intruders and warning you if a small child leaves the cottage unexpectedly.
Image courtesy of Philips HUE/Walmart
Outdoor motion sensor light
Not only can this light help you watch your step at night, but it can deter people from coming near your cottage. Plus, it conserves energy when not in use, and takes only minutes to install.
Image courtesy of EverNary/Amazon
Door and window alarm
This battery-powered system with built-in sensor vibration alerts you, and deters intruders, with a 125-decibel alarm. The alarm can be used on standby for one year without having to change the battery.
Image courtesy of Lorex/Amazon
4K security system
This system includes four high-definition cameras that can be used both indoors and out. It also features motion detection and night vision technology, and it can be monitored using the Lorex app.
Image courtesy of GE/Amazon
Door and window alarm
These low-maintenance alarms set off an audible sound to scare away cottage intruders when a door or window is opened. This package includes five alarms that you can place around your cottage property.
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