Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and governments restrictions on traveling, many may now stay home over the Easter holidays but even then safety in and around the home is still paramount.
Hattingh
reiterates that criminals do not take a break – in fact, they love holidays as
much as anyone else, just for the wrong reasons. Holiday planning has got to,
therefore, include home security.
Getting swept up in the excitement and forgetting all about home security basics, like checking your alarm is working properly and alerting your security company to your plans, is negligent.
Getting swept up in the excitement and forgetting all about home security basics, like checking your alarm is working properly and alerting your security company to your plans, is negligent.
“As there is a
lot to think about, most of us plan a holiday with a check list. I suggest
checking your home security will not let you down takes priority on this list.
No matter how brief or extended your trip away from home is, make sure you have
peace of mind everything will still be intact when you return,” she says.
“The best defence
against burglars, trespassers or opportunistic thieves is to make your property
as unattractive to criminals as possible. With nobody around to deter
criminals, it pays to implement extra precautions to keep your belongings safe
– inside and outside the home.”
3 top going away tips:
1. Make it look as though someone is home. Get your friendly neighbour to pop in and switch on lights and close/open curtains, collect the post and put the sprinklers on every day. These functions can also all of course be managed from your smartphone or laptop, from anywhere in the world, with advanced security systems. Speak to Fidelity ADT about the options.
2. Keep it quiet. No, the whole world does not need to know you are going away and for how long so do not post your holiday plans on social media.
3. Lock up and double check. Sheds, windows and garages are as important as the front door and gate, so make sure everything is properly secured and locked before you leave. Even doggie doors should be closed off as criminals are known to easily gain access through even the smallest of spaces. Rather board your pets or leave them with family.
Hattingh says in
addition, proper perimeter protection, garden beams and an alarm linked to
armed response, solid security doors and burglar proofing, sensor lights and
panic buttons for staff on the property are all ways to keep your property and
belongings safe.
Loadshedding, she
adds, is definitely a concern these days and it can wreak havoc with security
systems. The likelihood of this happening while you are on holiday must be
factored into pre-planning for a holiday.
“Talk to your
security provider about any concerns you have before you
leave. It may even be a good idea to get one of their consultants out to cast
an eye around your property – a trained eye may pick up weaknesses you have not
noticed.
“Tightening up
small vulnerabilities can amount to a huge relief when it comes to home
security. Do not leave anything to chance this Easter,” Hattingh concludes.
ENDS
Compiled on behalf of
Fidelity ADT by Cathy Findley Public Relations, for media queries contact
jacqui on 011 463 6372 jacqui@findleypr.co.za
