How to keep your home safe while you're away

December is for time off and relaxation, but it's also when many of us head out of town, leaving our homes vulnerable to security threats. Whether your home is vacant or you're using a house-sitter, these practical tips can help protect your property while you're enjoying the coast.

Before you leave, lock down the basics

Let your armed response provider know you'll be away. Ask them to test your alarm system and motion sensors to make sure everything is working properly. Give them an emergency contact number in case they need to reach you or someone you trust.

Make sure your CCTV cameras are clean, working and positioned to capture key areas like entrances, driveways and backyards. Trim back any trees or shrubs that could block views or interfere with your electric fence. Walk around your property to see if there are any vulnerable areas and easy access points. Also, consider upgrading to a smart, app-based home security system so you can monitor your property remotely through your smartphone. You never know when loadshedding or an area outage will hit, so make sure your back-up power is working for security systems, too.

If using a house-sitter

Choose someone reliable and familiar with your home. Walk them through your security setup, including how to arm and disarm alarms or beams and use panic buttons. If they're only popping in to water plants and feed cats, ask them to vary lighting and curtain use so it looks like someone is there.

Don't leave the keys for them in an obvious place like under a mat - rather get them to collect them before you leave. Make sure they know who to contact in an emergency. If you can, have them temporarily added to your neighbourhood WhatsApp security group.

If leaving th e house empty

Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check in occasionally. Use timer switches to turn lights on and off at different times. Avoid closing all curtains - this can make it obvious that no one is home.

Valuables and visibility

Avoid leaving expensive items like jewellery, laptops or cameras in plain sight. If possible, store them in a safety deposit box. If you must leave them at home, lock them away in a secure, hidden place that's not easily accessible. Keep in mind that Discovery Insure clients can also use the Online Vault to safely store scanned copies of important documents like IDs, passports and insurance policies

If you're leaving a vehicle behind, park it inside a locked garage or behind a secure gate. A car left in the driveway for days can signal that no one is home.

If you're leaving for your holiday destination after Christmas, don't leave boxes from expensive gifts like flatscreen TVs or electronics outside for collection. This advertises what's inside your home. Collapse boxes and store them out of sight until recycleday.

If you're staying home

If you're hosting a braai or outdoor gathering, keep security gates and doors locked. Opportunistic criminals can strike when you're distracted by letting people in and out.

Also, be alert to unfamiliar people loitering in your area. Report suspicious behaviour to your neighbourhood watch or security provider. Vigilance is a powerful deterrent.

Remember that if something goes wrong, like a burst geyser or broken lock, Discovery Insure's Home Assist gives you access to emergency plumbing, electrical and locksmith services. Keep the contact details handy (or share them with your house-sitter).

Taking a few precautionary steps before you head off on holiday can make all the difference in keeping your home safe. Whether you're leaving it empty or entrusting it to a house-sitter, a secure home means you can truly relax and enjoy your break.

Does your home still have sufficient cover?

Unexpected events can happen at any moment. It's always a good idea to make sure that you take the same care at this time of year as you would at any other to protect your home. So, make sure your home insurance plan is up to date. That way, you'll still be able to submit any necessary claims if you need to.

Before hitting the road - or the swimming pool - find a free moment to look at your current plan and check whether you have the right cover. You may find that you don't have enough, or that it's no longer meeting your needs.

Chat to your financial adviser or a consultant to update your plan if you need to. You can call Discovery Insure on 0860 751 751 or visit our website for more details.

Sources:

https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/good-driving-holiday-safety-tips

https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/good-driving-unlocking-happiness-to-your-home