- Do not hide door keys under mats, rocks, flower pots or door ledges. Leave your key with a trusted friend or neighbour.
- Do not post on Facebook (Twitter etc) that you are heading away on holiday. Burglars also know how to search Google.
- Make sure that you lock all windows and doors, even if just leaving your home for a few minutes. Intruders only need a few seconds to ruin your day.
- Don't give information on answering machines. It is best just to say that you are busy at the moment and to leave your name and number and you will return the call.
- If you can, call forward your home phone number to your mobile for the duration of your absence.
- Keep your drapes or window blinds closed at night. When going out for the evening make use of inexpensive timers to give the illusion of occupancy.
- Arrange for your mail to stop, or have a friend collect it while you are away. Do not let your letterbox fill up as this is a sure sign that you have left.
- Conceal all gift boxes after Christmas, so as not to alert burglars. Make sure that you cut up all boxes and place them in solid plastic bags or bins for garbage pick-up.
- Make sure that you have target hardened your home by installing the proper hardware - hardware like deadbolts, strike plates, window locks, door hinges, door viewers, security lights and even alarm systems.
- Make sure all appliances are turned off at the wall. If you don't have surge protectors it may also pay to unplug from the wall in case of storms surging power during your absence.
- Check batteries, dust and test. A working fire alarm system critical to your home's security while you are away.
- Let your CLOSE neighbours or neighbourhood watch group know when you will be away and give them your mobile number or a contact number to reach you if need be.
- Turn off your main water shut-of valve before you leave. The last thing you need is to come home to a flooded house.
- It is a wise idea to turn off all non-essential electrical circuit breakers. Only leave on those circuits that control security lighting. Electrical fires can and do happen even though an appliance or fixture is in the off position.
- Turn off your gas (or contact your supplier to do this for you).
- Empty your fridge of any perishables.
- Make sure plants and trees are well trimmed, particularly those close to your house - don't give thieves a place to hide.
- Mark your property so it can be easily identified if recovered
- Make a list of property and record serial numbers
- Take photos of unique items such as jewellery and ornaments
- Keep important documents and valuation certificates in a safe place. If possible store copies with a trusted friend or relative.
Do you have tips for a secure home these holidays? Share your ideas in the comments below and let's all have a safe home to return to after the Christmas holidays.
"Keep important documents and valuation certificates in a safe place. If possible store copies with a trusted friend or relative." I agree with this.
ReplyDeleteThere are some really great tips! We also have our aunt, who lives close, come every now and then to tend plants and pull up the shutters at daytime. And our long trusted housekeeper comes sometimes to clean windows when we are away, so it looks more 'lived in'.
ReplyDeleteLeaving for the annual holidays, before you pack the automobile & head off for some well deserved relaxation - take some time to make positive your property is safe & secure in your absence.
ReplyDeleteAssociation Management Charlotte
Always double check everything. Every year thousands of people are injured or killed from electrical shocks/contacts. They are exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. The proper grounding of electrode system, conductors, equipment, and equipment conductors can help us in reducing the number of casualties. In order to understand grounding and bonding effectively, Online Electrical Courses will certainly help you in understanding the best way of grounding and bonding per the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2008 standards.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to have holidays and spend some quality time with your family away from home. But worrying about the security of your house is always a bummer. So I think, with these tips in the post, we can have a little more trust, not to look at a robbed out house, when we come back from vacation.
ReplyDelete