Safeguard Your Home This Easter: A Guide for South African Homeowners

The holiday season brings joy and relaxation, but it’s also crucial to prioritize the security of your home. With potentially fewer people around, homes can become more vulnerable to break-ins.

Here are some essential steps to take to protect your property and ensure peace of mind during the holidays:

Before You Leave

• Inform Security Providers: Alert your security company (if applicable) of your absence and provide contact details for a trusted local person who can be reached in case of emergencies.
• Entrust Spare Keys Wisely: Leave spare keys and contact details with a trusted friend or neighbor. Include your security company’s information and details of reachable relatives or friends.
• Double-Check Security Measures: Test your alarm system, perimeter security features, and ensure all windows and doors are locked securely. Double-check even if leaving for short periods.
• Secure Utilities: Turn off and unplug non-essential electrical appliances. Close taps, shut off gas supplies, and disable timers for features like swimming pools.
• Simulate Occupancy: Utilize light timers to switch on lights inside and outside the house, creating the illusion that someone is home.
• Remote Monitoring: Consider a CCTV system linked to your phone for remote monitoring of your home’s interior and exterior.
• Minimize Mail Pileup: Request a neighbor to collect mail and pamphlets to avoid an accumulation that suggests an empty house.
• Arrange Pet Care: If not using a kennel service, hire a house sitter or pet sitter to care for your pets and maintain the property while you’re away.
• Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure your home and belongings have comprehensive insurance coverage and update policies if necessary.
• Maintain Curb Appeal: Maintain a tidy exterior by arranging for lawn mowing during extended absences to avoid an appearance of vacancy.

Additional Security Measures

• Trim Landscaping: Trim overgrown bushes and trees to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Remove items like bins or ladders that could provide access to your property.
• Secure Valuables: Secure valuables and important documents at home. Back up important work and store laptops and electronics safely out of sight.
• Park Vehicles Securely: Park vehicles inside a garage or enclosed area if possible. Avoid leaving valuables like bicycles lying around the yard.
• Emergency Preparedness: Keep a list of important contact numbers readily available and consider installing emergency response apps on your phone for quick response in case of an incident.
• Verify Visitor Identity: Always verify the identity of anyone visiting your home, including representatives from local municipalities or service providers.

Bonus Tip: Regularly check your home’s security measures, including alarms, locks, and security gates, to ensure they’re in proper working order.

By following these tips, you can significantly enhance your home’s security and enjoy a worry-free holiday season!