Home security tips for the holidays

IF you’re planning on taking a much-needed break over the festive season, ensure you’ve done what you can to keep your home safe.

You don’t want to return after a refreshing trip to find all your possessions looted. Here are some easy tips to follow.

ALSO READ: Check alarms work before heading on holiday

1. Plan ahead
There’s still some time to take precautionary measures before leaving your home for the holidays. If you have someone watching your home for you, that’s great, otherwise here are some quick tips.

· Inform your neighbours you’ll be away and ask those who are staying in the area to keep an eye on things. It’s best to leave a set of keys in case they need to get into the house
· Inform your family of your route, destination and return dates and, if possible, share your location for geotracking
· Alert your security company to the fact that you will be away and give them your dates
· Install a timer for your lights, install day-night sensor bulbs, or get a neighbour to switch on the lights so it appears that people are home. A completely darkened property is a risk
· Avoid sharing details of your holiday plans on any social media platforms, including while you’re away
· Avoid leaving keys in easy-to-reach places – something you should remember when at home as well.

2. Before you leave the house
When it’s time to get going, make sure you go through this checklist so you don’t have to turn around halfway through your journey!

· Switch off all unnecessary plug points and the geyser before you leave. This not only reduces any fire risk; it prevents an unnecessary energy bill
· Check that your alarm system is working and, if you have one, your fire alarm as well
· Take a walk around your property and check that everything has been packed and locked away, especially gardening tools and ladders
· Check that all your exterior lighting is functioning properly, and change any bulbs that need changing
· Store any valuables like jewellery or cash in a storage box rather than in the house.

3. Safety measures if you’re staying home
If you’re enjoying a ‘staycation’ this year, ensure you and your family are kept safe with these simple tips

· Discard any Christmas gift boxes either on the day, or take them to a refuse centre. Boxes for new electronics are a surefire way to alert potential thieves to your household contents
· Lock all security gates, even if you’re entertaining outside, and keep keys out of reach
· Keep connected with neighbours via relevant WhatsApp groups
· Keep all emergency numbers saved on your phone or easily accessible for the whole family.

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