Are you counting down the days till the extra-long weekend that is the Easter holiday? Maybe you’re planning to go away? Thinking of visiting a faraway town in your state? Or saying hello to your rellies on the other side of the city? Well, don't let your home stand out for the wrong reasons. Will your home be noticeable that there'll no one home for days or weeks at a time? We at Secure Your World have come up with a quick home security checklist. We’ve broken down these checklist items into three categories, allowing you to burglar-proof your home quickly before you leave it behind for a few extra days. Get that stress-free feeling upon your return.
1. Create the ‘someone’s still home’ feel
You will want to create the look of a ‘someone’s home’ feel, while still securing any entry points. Having the house seem occupied will make it less of a target to thieves.
Set up wireless cameras at the front of your home. Activate the notifications on the mobile app so you will be alerted every time there’s activity on your property. The two-way audio will allow you to talk to anyone who rings the doorbell. Whilst at the same time, recording the activity.
Test your motion sensor lights work at the right times. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness to break and enter, so try to minimise it as much as possible. Place these lights at the entrance, driveway and any other dark area on your property, ensuring that all possible entrances are secure.
Schedule your TV to turn on and off at different times of the day and night. This will certainly give the impression that someone is home.
Avoid an excess pile of junk mail, by placing a no junk mail sticker on your mailbox. Or have your mail picked up by your trusted neighbours, family or friends. Alternatively, you can choose to have your mail held by the post office.
2. Protect the things you love by storing your valuables
Despite all the security measures in place, if a thief is intent on breaking in, they will find a way. So let's make their job at finding the treasured and important items, hard to find.
Don’t leave your valuables in a place where they can be easily found. Instead, store your jewellery in a spare room closet or another inconspicuous place. The same thing goes for any bank cards and personal identity documents such as passports. Then you can put them back when you return.
If hiding things isn't your style, and you’ve got time, get yourself a solid and heavy-duty safe. With a variety of different styles, shapes and sizes, you’ll be able to find the right one for you.
Keep a record of all your electronic devices and ensure your insurance policy is up to date. This includes receipts, serial numbers and photos.
Have an extra set of keys that you don’t want to take with you? Keep these out of sight too. Consider handing them to someone you can trust or simply put them in a zipped compartment of your luggage or bag.
Cover your windows before you leave.
3. Double-check if EVERYTHING is locked
Check that every window is locked and don’t leave the keys in them either.
Check that all entries to the garage are locked and in good working order. If it’s falling apart, it’s time for a change.
Have a back door? Check this is locked too! If it’s a keyed lock, remove the key after locking too.
Gates are often forgotten about, if it doesn’t have a lock, add one asap. Or simply add a weatherproof and heavy-duty padlock to keep it locked.
Now that you have all the Easter security tips to up your home security, you can now find what you need here, with Secure Your World.
You can now go and enjoy your mini-vacay!
