Make sure Santa is the only surprise visitor you get

The festive season is upon us and excitement is in the air as we make plans, start shopping, and look forward to a well-deserved break. One important job to put on the ‘to do’ list is to check your security and make sure all is in order before the holidays hit.

“Criminals are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Make checking your security system a priority and keep our safety tips in mind this festive season,” said Ivan Govender, ADT Security’s district manager (KwaZulu-Natal).

He recommends doing a pre-holiday alarm check to make sure the system is working.

“If you pick up any issues book a technician now instead of waiting until you are locking up the house to head off on holiday. At that point it may be difficult to get a technician straight away. Also, consider asking your security company to do a risk assessment of your property and make recommendations. There is a lot of value in having an expert give you guidance on where you may need to tighten up your security,” said Govender.

He also highlights the importance of making sure your security company can access your property in the event of an alarm activation or emergency. “On a few occasions we have been called out to a property and when we get there the residents are away on holiday, cannot be reached and there is no way to enter the premises.”

 Handy tips to consider prior to leaving for your holiday:

• Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or unintentional points of access to your home which may need additional security.
• Connect outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors.
• Advise your security company of your holiday plans – should something happen while you are away, it is essential that they have the following updated information on your holiday form:
• all keyholder information
• details of domestic staff or house sitters who may be staying on the property while you are away
• Inform your neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property while you are away.
• Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks. It is also a good idea to check that all these locks are in good working order.
• Make sure that all bushes or trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding behind them.
• Before locking up, check all water outlets and electric sockets. Ensure that you have not left a key on the inside of an outer door that has glass panels or glass near the door lock.
• If you are going away for several weeks, consider asking someone to visit the property from time to time. Movement in and out of the house is a deterrent in itself.

“The festive season should be a time of relaxation. Get your security in order now so you can enjoy a hassle-free break.”

The year-end school holiday is also a welcome break for children, but for those parents who have to work throughout, it is a stressful period of constantly wondering if your kids are safe.

Basic and practical safety precautions parents can share with their children whether they are left with a caregiver or stay at home by themselves:

• Teach children to keep entry and exit doors locked, and that nobody is to enter the property without your permission.
• If you have a home security system installed, teach them how to activate and de-activate the system and how to use other security devices like panic buttons.
• Have a list of emergency contacts – including the ADT number for your area – near the telephone and explain to children when and how it must be used. Make sure that these numbers are also pre-programmed on your child’s cellphone, if they have one.
• If you allow the children to walk to a friend in the neighborhood, walk the route with them before they try it on their own. Tell them to let you know when they are leaving and when they arrive. Explain that it is better to walk a slightly longer route down familiar streets where there is more activity, than taking short-cuts across fields or deserted areas. It is also useful to identify homes along the route where your child can ask for help in case of an emergency. This could, for example, include family friends or trusted neighbors.
• There is a good chance that kids will be watching TV or online so make sure that parental control settings are on and privacy settings are as high as possible. Make sure they understand that they should never post any personal information online – like an address, email address or mobile number – and if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried they should leave the website, turn off their computer and tell someone immediately.

>>> For more events this holiday check out our Events calender.

>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.