Secure your home for holiday peace of mind
JOBURG - Being safe in the knowledge that your house is well-protected while you're away will make your long-awaited summer holiday even more enjoyable.
Martin janse van Rensburg of Budget Insurance said during summer, the weather changes dramatically. “In some parts of the country this means more rainfall, thunderstorms and sometimes even hailstorms,” he said. “You may not have considered it, but this affects your security.”
Janse van Rensburg said trees, bushes and shrubs grow much faster during the summer months and need trimming more often. Residents should make sure that the shrubbery outside their driveways is not able to conceal anyone. “Shrubbery often touches electric fences causing them to malfunction,” he said. “Instead of turning off your fence, make sure that any overhanging branches are trimmed.”
Janse van Rensburg advised residents to do maintenance on their roofs before the rainy season to make sure there are no leaks.
“It’s highly recommended that you put surge and lightning protectors on all your electrical gadgets and plugs,” Janse van Rensburg said. “If you’re home, it’s a good idea to unplug these devices anyway.”
Janse van Rensburg said gutters should be kept clean and free of debris to channel ice and water away from the roof and outdoor furniture should be moved undercover when leaving the house. Other important things to remember before going away are to clean the refrigerator’s condensing coils to keep it running smoothly. The way to clean the condensing coils is to unplug the fridge and remove the base plate or top grate. Use a vacuum cleaner with the nozzle attachment to remove any dirt and lint. When locking up the house for the holidays, turn off the geyser or at least turn it to a lower setting to save electricity.
In terms of securing one’s home while on holiday, security company ADT advised residents to ensure their alarms are in good working order. Residents should ensure there are no gaps in their fences or unintentional points of access to their homes which may need additional security. Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors can act as additional deterrents.
Just before leaving the house to go on holiday, ADT advised residents to do a quick once-over. Double check that all windows and doors are locked. Sliding doors can be secured by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Residents should not leave ladders, spades or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in implements. Residents should also ensure that cellphones, valuables and remote controls for automatic gates and garages are not left lying around while they are away on holiday.
While on holiday, residents should leave a key with a trusted neighbour in case of an emergency.
As an added security extra, the Douglasdale police have advised residents to make sure they padlock their exterior gates, even if they are automated, at all times especially while away on holiday.
