Whether visiting family in a neighbouring city or heading south for warm weather, many of us are away from our homes during the holiday season.


But with ice storms, whiteouts and other severe weather common at this time of year, it’s important to make sure our homes are safe and our possessions in good shape when we return.


Severe weather is a common cause of power surges, which can overload circuits and damage appliances and electronics.
 

Use these pre-trip tips to safeguard against surges:
 

icon: Step 1

Unplug

Unplug all non-essential applications like your TV, microwave oven and stereo before leaving.
 

icon: Step 2

Switch Off

Plug major appliances and sensitive electronics like computers into a power bar and turn the master switch off.
 

icon: Step 3

Protect

Many advanced power bars have surge protectors built in — look for the words “surge protection” specifically.
 



More Tips

icon of a house with the outline of a plug around it

Get more tips and information about surge protection and damage claims here.
​ Learn more