As the year draws to a close, the Festive Season brings with it moments of celebration, well-deserved rest and often, time spent away from home. Unfortunately, this period can also see an increase in security-related risks. As you prepare for the holidays, ensuring your home remains safe and protected is essential. To support you, we’ve compiled a few practical and proactive tips to help safeguard your property this season.
SAFETY TIPS BEFORE YOU LEAVE
- Use timers for lights and a TV / radio
Set interior lights and a TV / radio on timers to create the impression that someone is home. - Pause regular deliveries
Cancel newspaper or other scheduled deliveries to avoid obvious signs of absence. - Switch off appliances and geysers
Turn off your geyser and unplug appliances (kettles, toasters, ovens, chargers) to reduce risk and save energy. - Check and replace alarm batteries
Ensure alarm and electric fence backup batteries are in good condition, especially with load-shedding patterns. - Install battery-operated or solar lights
Place battery or solar lights at strategic points for visibility during power outages. - Inform your security company
Notify your armed response company of your travel dates and provide an emergency contact number. - Secure all access points
Test door and window locks, ensure burglar bars are secure, and close any security gates. - Store valuables safely
Keep jewellery, small electronics and important documents in a safe or offsite secure location. - Check perimeter protection
Inspect electric fencing, beams, and motion detectors for faults before leaving.
SAFETY TIPS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY
- Ask a trusted neighbour to keep watch
A neighbour can alert you or your security company to anything unusual. - Arrange for mail collection
Uncollected post is a clear sign of absence, ask a neighbour or friend to check your postbox. - Routine property check-ins
Have a friend, neighbour, or house-sitter occasionally enter the property to ensure everything is in order and water indoor plants. - Maintain your landscape
If away for an extended period, arrange for grass trimming or garden maintenance so your home does not appear vacant. - Keep security systems armed
Ensure your alarm remains activated, and remind your contact person how to operate the system if needed. - Use remote monitoring tools if available
If you have cameras or smart home tech, check in remotely from time to time. - Be mindful on social media
Avoid posting real-time travel updates publicly, it can signal that your home is unoccupied.
Our team is on standby over the festive season should you need any property assistance.
From our home to yours, we wish you a wonderful, joyous and safe holiday season.
