Start ticking off your home security to-do list ahead of December

Many of us are counting the weeks to our vacation in December, excitedly marking off each day as it passes on the fridge calendar. The ever-elusive December 10 (or earlier if you’re lucky) is creeping closer and closer. It’s all systems go for a great trip and some well-deserved R & R. Or is it?

Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s Group Head of Marketing and Communications, reminds homeowners that criminals are also excited to see you pack the car and leave home for an extended period.

There are many things to think about and put into place if you want a stress-free holiday and now is the time to start ticking off the check list, she says.

“To avoid being jolted back into reality while you’re taking beach selfies make sure your home and property is protected. There is a lot to consider, which is why you need to start early.”

Important to know

1. Test your home security solutions, including alarm system, battery back-up, outdoor beams, electric fencing, CCTV security cameras and fire alarm systems. This is a simple call to the company in charge of your 24/7 security monitoring. If they pick up any problems these can be scheduled for repair well in advance of the festive season, which is the busiest time of the year for service technicians.
2. Check for vulnerabilities in your current security, like foliage interfering with your electric fence or places that provide a foothold for someone to climb over the wall.
3. Check lighting around the house and install sensor lights in strategic places if needed. You can never have too much lighting – put the spotlight on intruders!
4. Inform your security provider of the dates you’ll be away. If you have a trusted neighbour they should know too, so that they can also keep an eye on things.
5. Why not arrange for a casual guarding service? This has the added benefit of someone physically on site and the back-up of armed response services.
6. Check your perimeter. Do you need an added layer of security like an electric fence linked to round-the-clock security surveillance?
7. Check window latches and door locks are all working properly. No windows should be unprotected, no matter how small they are. There is a wide range of aesthetically pleasing options instead of traditional burglar bars to choose from today, including electronic sensors and invisible security beams.
8. Book your home or pet sitter. Dogs are valuable early warning systems and a good deterrent. Make sure they are looked after while you’re away so that they are in top form to keep looking after your property.