Going away soon? Great! Here are some tips for improving the safety of your home in your absence.
1. Keep a low profile on social media
As exciting as sharing the latest updates of your holiday may be, it is best to try not to broadcast your whereabouts so that opportunistic buglers don’t know that you’re not home.
- Avoid “checking-in” or tagging your location on social media.
- Only post about your trip when you’re back.
- Go over social media safety with all your family.
2. Leave a key with a friend or family member
Leave a key with a family member or trusted friend so that they can check on your home regularly to ensure that all is still in order.
Consider hiring a house-sitter or ask a relative to stay at your house while you’re away. Whatever you do, don’t leave a spare key somewhere on your property.
3. Alert your security company
Let your security company know when you will be away and how long you will be away so that they can make it a point to patrol around your home.
4. Beef-up your security
Inspect the fencing around your house to see that there are no gaps and holes where intruders can come in.
- Double-check the alarm and see if it is working well before you leave.
- Lock away valuables like jewellery in a safe.
- Check that the CCTV is working as it should around your house
- Check that your electric fence is working properly
- Hide all tools and gardening equipment so that they cannot be used to break into your home.
5. Look out for your electrical appliances
- Consider installing surge protectors to protect your appliances from power surges.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential appliances like microwave ovens, TVs, geysers, etc. to protect them from power surges, in case of a power failure or load shedding.
6. Revisit your insurance policies
Check if everything is in order with your policies, and check which items are covered and which ones aren’t. Be sure to take inventory of your valuables before leaving so that you know if something is missing.
You might also want to read this post on safety tips to consider when going on holiday, and this one on cost-effective ways to keep your home safe.
References
https://www.privateproperty.co.za/advice/property/articles/how-to-keep-your-home-and-family-safe-during-the-holidays/6128
https://rekordcenturion.co.za/166795/protect-appliances-load-shedding/
https://ordinarytraveler.com/protect-home-while-on-vacation
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/consumer-rights/a541353/how-to-keep-your-home-safe-while-you-are-away/
