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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, March 6, 2013 | 22 MARCH BREAK 2013 Monday, March 11 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental While on a March break trip, ensure your home is secure (NC)--March break is here and families across Canada are packing up for a vacation away. Whether you're spending a week in the sun, on the ski hill, or visiting family, you want to know that the house you've left behind for the week is safe, protected and will be in good shape upon your return. "Many Canadian families plan to travel over March break and want to know their home will be just as they've left it after returning from a vacation away," says Ian Pattinson, Vice President, Smart Home Monitoring, Rogers Communications. "There are some simple ways to ensure your home will be kept safe and new home security options to give you the ultimate peace of mind whether you choose to go away for a week, or all season long." Here are five steps you can follow to secure and prepare your home before your March Break getaway: · Ensure all your doors and windows are securely locked: Check that all windows, doors, gates and garage doors are properly locked before you leave. Make sure to remove any spare keys from obvious hiding spots like doormats or flowerpots. · Have someone regularly check in on your home: Arrange for a friend or neighbour to check up on your home every couple of days. Ask them to bring in your mail, shovel your driveway if needed and water your plants. · Set your lights and thermostat, and regularly check up on your home through a home security and home automation system: Today's latest home security and home automation systems, like Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, do more than provide a simple alarm system. With Smart Home Monitoring, you can control heat levels, lights and small appliances, all from your smartphone or tablet. Real-time alerts are also sent to you via email or text message, so you can know the instant something happens to your home, from wherever you are. · Practice energy savings: Automation of lighting, thermostats and small appliances may cut energy costs. Unplugging small appliances like your toaster and coffeemaker will save energy. Turning your heat down (no lower than 13°C) will prevent your water pipes from freezing. · Make your home look occupied: Place your newspaper subscription on hold. Park a car in the driveway. Put light timers on your light fixtures. Vacations should be stress free for the whole family, and knowing that our homes are safe will make for a more relaxing vacation. To learn about securing your home with Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, visit www. rogers.com/smart. www.newscanada.com Advertorial SCHEDULE.... MARCH BREAK Tuesday, March 12 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental WE ARE ALSO OPEN FOR ALL OUR REGUAR PUBLIC SKATING TIMES 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm · Family All Ages $9.25 + Rental Wednesday, March 13 Thursday, March 14 Friday, March 15 2105 Royal Windsor Drive, Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5 · 905-823-4001 · www.scooters.on.ca Scooter's Roller Palace Advertorial Have a safe family vacation (NC)--It's time to pack up the kids and hit the road for a family adventure. But before leaving home this March Break, it's important to take proper precautions to ensure you and your family have a safe and happy vacation. Just a few simple steps before leaving for your trip will allow you to enjoy time away with loved ones. Dave Minor, Vice President, TD Insurance recommends adding the following to-do's to your vacation checklist before heading out of town: Look after your home while away A mailbox stuffed with mail and newspapers on the front step are sure signs that you're out of town, and can be used to a burglar's advantage. Before heading on vacation, take the necessary precautions to make it look like you're still living at home. Cancel your newspaper, ask your neighbour to collect your mail or shovel your driveway if there's snow, and leave a car parked in the driveway. Consider installing extra security measures ­ security alarms can decrease your insurance premiums, and deadbolt locks will provide extra protection. Think about travel insurance Planning to get away from it all or just out of the province? One thing you don't want to leave behind is the quality medical care and coverage you have at home, so be sure to review the terms of your coverage carefully before leaving town. While you never want to think the worst-case scenario will happen while you're away, it's best to be prepared. Some credit cards may even include basic travel coverage and allow you to enhance your coverage, so be sure to check with your credit card issuer. Protect your identity Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean fraudsters are too. Every year, thousands of Canadians fall prey to identity thieves and are left with big bills, bad credit and a tarnished financial identity. While it's important to take safety measures while travelling, such as keeping your purse or bag close to your body, or being aware of your surroundings, you can take action against fraudsters before leaving town. Speak to your insurance provider for advice about stopping fraud before it starts.