According to Richard McGhee, sales and marketing director of ADT Security, one of South Africa’s leading security companies, there are several handy holiday safety tips to bear in mind which can help alleviate the risk to family and property.
“The most important step to take is to ensure that your alarm is in working order.
“People tend to forget that an alarm system, like a car, has parts that age and wear out and therefore should be serviced at least once a year,” he explained.
Another threat to alarm systems are our spectacular African thunderstorms, which are rampant in the summer months.
These storms can also wreak havoc on alarm systems and as a result of this, community members should regularly check their systems in case of lightning damage.
“Homeowners who have house insurance should also consider that in the event of a burglary, their insurance company will, in all likelihood, check whether they have properly maintained their alarm,” McGhee added.
“December is traditionally a busy period for security companies, so you should try and test your alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday.
“Testing should be done outside of peak hours (between 8am and 4pm or after 8pm) and if a fault is discovered, it should be immediately reported to the security service provider’s technical team.”
McGhee highlights that, due to increasingly high walls, electric fencing and other desperate measures that homeowners resort to in order to protect their property, the emergency reactions of armed response officers can be hindered.
He strongly suggests that homeowners check with their security service provider about alternate access options available such as an EZI pad.
The EZI pad, is an electronic device that is attached to the driveway gate, and allows the security officer access to the property once a secret code is activated.
McGhee added another important holiday safety tip.
“Be discreet when preparing to go away.
“People should park their cars behind closed doors, if possible in their garage.
“Homeowners should also never leave a message on their answering machine stating that they are out of town,” advises McGhee.
This advice can be applied throughout the year.
