Easy steps to strengthen home security
Residents can take simple, practical steps to make their homes safer and protect their families.
Keeping your home safe is simple, and Fidelity ADT offers practical security tips that West Rand residents and fellow South Africans can use immediately to protect their families and property.
“Small changes can go a long way when it comes to home security. Often, it’s the simple fixes that make homes less attractive to criminals and give families peace of mind,” said Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.
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Simple security tips for every home:
1. Improve outdoor lighting
Bright entrances, driveways, and pathways help deter criminals. Motion-sensor lights are especially effective because they immediately highlight any movement on your property.
2. Secure doors and windows
Use quality locks on all gates and doors, and install burglar bars if necessary. Sliding doors should have anti-lift brackets and secure locks. Always check that doors and windows are properly closed before going to bed or leaving the house.
3. Trim overgrown shrubs and trees
Keep plants near doors, windows, and walls well-trimmed to eliminate hiding spots and improve visibility. Trees that make it easy to climb walls should be cut back. Don’t leave ladders, tools, or garden equipment outside — these can be used to gain entry.
4. Update your security company and test your system
Make sure your armed response provider has updated contact details for all household members. Notify them of any changes, like a new pet. Test your alarm system regularly, including battery backups, to ensure signals are received correctly.
5. Use smart security solutions
CCTV cameras, outdoor beams, and alarm sensors let homeowners monitor their property remotely and respond quickly to potential threats.
6. Create the illusion that someone is home
Use timers for lights when you’re away and ask a neighbour or friend to collect your mail. Visible signs of an empty home can attract criminals.
7. Get to know your neighbours
Strong community relationships are a powerful crime deterrent. Neighbours can spot and report suspicious activity quickly and often respond first in emergencies.
8. Think like a criminal
Walk around your property and assess potential weaknesses. Are doors and windows secure? Check gates, garage doors, and access points from the perimeter inward to identify vulnerabilities.
9. Talk to your loved ones
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Make sure all household members understand basic safety habits and know how to respond in an emergency. Children, in particular, should know how to call for help or use a panic alarm.
“Security works best when we all play a part. By making a few simple changes, we can create safer homes and stronger communities across the West Rand and South Africa,” she concluded.
