{"id":163654,"date":"2017-10-13T06:40:24","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T04:40:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=163654"},"modified":"2017-10-13T23:01:57","modified_gmt":"2017-10-13T21:01:57","slug":"safety-precautions-safeguard-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2017\/10\/13\/safety-precautions-safeguard-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety precautions to safeguard your home"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are, on average, over 23 000 house robberies a month in South Africa according to SAPS numbers.<\/p>\n

With 185 756 break-ins in the eight months from April to December 2016, securing your property is a sensible investment.<\/p>

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It could also save you money on your insurance premiums.<\/p>\n

According to Marlies Kappers, head of marketing at DirectAxis Financial Services, most security experts agree that it\u2019s almost impossible for the average householder to completely secure their property against determined criminals, but there are some practical steps you can take to make it less vulnerable.<\/p>

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DirectAxis spoke to Stuart Clarkson, managing director of Fidelity ADT who shared the following advice:<\/p>\n

Install an alarm system, linked to an armed-response company:<\/strong><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s always a good idea to get competitive quotes, choose a reputable company that\u2019s active in your area. If there is more than one, ask neighbours, the local neighbourhood watch or the CPF for their recommendations.<\/p>\n

Most insurance companies will reduce your premiums if you have an alarm and armed-response service, in addition to basic security. Bear in mind, however, that claims can be denied if you don\u2019t activate the alarm every time you leave the home.<\/p>\n

Fit quality security gates and burglar bars:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Securing areas of the house, such as bedrooms, with security gates will make you less vulnerable when you\u2019re at home. When you aren\u2019t they can also prevent burglars freely accessing areas where your valuables are stored.<\/p>\n

If you do decide to fit security gates, it\u2019s worth installing a quality product. Cheap, poorly fitted gates can be bent or broken and bypassed, leaving you out of pocket and probably with additional damage to repair. Again, deal with a reputable supplier or ask for advice from your security company, CPF or even your insurance company.<\/p>\n

The same applies to burglar bars. Cheap, poorly fitted bars not only look ugly, but probably won\u2019t do much to deter burglars. It\u2019s worth spending a bit more to fit an insurance-approved product, that\u2019s set in the brickwork rather than the window frame and which can\u2019t easily be unscrewed, cut, ripped out or bent back.<\/p>\n

Let your insurance company know when you\u2019ve fitted the gates and burglar bars as well as any additional features such as pin locks on sliding doors. You may be entitled to a discount on your premiums.<\/p>\n

Check your perimeter security<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Wall-top electric fencing is a common first line of perimeter security, but can be ineffective if the wrong kind of fence is chosen or it is poorly installed. The wiring and structure of the fence, the height, number of zones required and lifespan all have to be considered, but are often overlooked. The structure of the fence is determined by the height, quality and width of the wall to which it is attached. Not all walls are suitable for wall-top electric fencing. Ideally the wall should be more than two metres high and consist of a double row of bricks.<\/p>\n

Choosing the correct installer is crucial and it\u2019s always a good idea to get several quotes. Look for a reputable, qualified consultant who provides a proper technical specification.<\/p>\n

Fit good window and door locks:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Builders and developers sometimes try to save money by fitting cheap locks. These can be broken by hitting them with a hammer, using a crowbar or even a hard enough kick. Fitting locks with the kite mark BS3621 (the BS stands for British Standard) or insurance-approved locks to exterior doors can prevent this happening.<\/p>\n

The first step should always be to make sure you are fitting the lock to a sturdy door. There\u2019s little point in spending money on a good lock if the door itself is flimsy, the door or frame is rotten or the hinges are poorly fitted or damaged.<\/p>\n

Another way burglars gain access is by prying open windows or removing sliding doors from their tracks. There are a number of ready-made devices that you can fit to make it more difficult to do this. These are usually available from your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install.<\/p>\n

Again it\u2019s worth letting your insurance company know about any security related alterations you\u2019ve made, as there may be a cost-saving benefit.<\/p>\n

Use some common sense:<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are some security precautions you can take that won\u2019t cost you much, but could help to deter criminals.<\/p>\n