Home safety should be one of your top priorities, so here are the first 10 things you should do to help secure your home.
1. Secure the doors
In many instances burglars enter through the front door. Perform an inspection of not only your front door, but all the doors around your home. Make sure the frames are strong, the hinges are protected and the wood is not hollow. The front door might be a nice focal point of your house, but don’t sacrifice security for a pretty view.
2. Lock the windows
The latches manufacturers place on windows aren’t always effective, and sometimes they’re downright flimsy. Replace them with locks or key-operated levers to help beef up your safety.
3. Purchase a security system
All homes should have some form of security system, whether it’s a basic DIY installation or a fully monitored smart system. Evaluate the needs for your area and choose a system you’re comfortable with.
4. Meet the neighbours
Your neighbours can be a helpful first line of defence against a home invasion. They know the area and can help keep an eye on your home when you’re away — but they can’t do that if they don’t know you. Make an effort to meet your neighbours and form good relationships so you’ll have people to rely on.
5. Perform a mock burglary.
Now that you’ve made friends with the neighbours, have one of them walk around and through your house to look for things that aren’t secure. Are valuables out in plain sight? Can you see through the curtains into the home? A mock burglary can give you great insight into areas of your security plan that might need tightening up.
6. Note your resources
Make sure that you have the contact numbers for the police, your private security company and Har-Lyn Neighbourhood Watch easily available. If you are not already a member of HNW, consider joining a patroller or assisting them in other ways. They are a valuable resource in the area.
7. Light up the landscape
Place lights around your front and back yard. Use lights that come equipped with motion sensors for added protection. An intruder might be less inclined to break in if there is a spotlight on them.
8. Eliminate hiding places
Shrubs and bushes may give your house curb appeal, but they also provide burglars with a handy place to hide. Trim down trees and plants close to your home that could be used for cover.
9. Add security signs
Ensure your security provider installs a security sign outside your house. If you don’t have a security system, weigh the pros and cons of fake signage. Sometimes the belief that there’s a security system inside can be as effective as actually having one.
10. Come up with a plan
It’s not enough to have security measures in place — you have to have a plan in case they fail. Sit down with your family and come up with a simple routine to help secure your home. Set rules for opening the door for strangers, locking the doors and windows whenever you leave, and using the alarm system. Make sure your kids know what to do should a break-in occur and have an exit strategy in the event of a fire or other emergency.
JENNI COLEMAN
Manager - Harfield Village Community Improvement District (HVCID)
Cel: 081 412 6109 E-mail: admin@hvcid.co.za
