The old adage \u201chome is where the heart is\u201d means different things to different people.<\/p>\n
For some, it\u2019s the individuals who fill their home.<\/p>
For others, it can be a specific item that holds sentimental value.<\/p>\n
The common thread \u2013 ensuring that they\u2019re kept safe and sound, around the clock.<\/p>
\u201cThere are a number of precautions that can be taken to improve the safety of loved ones and belongings at no, or minimal, cost,\u201d said Stuart Clarkson, managing executive of Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
\u201cA good place to start is to see what can be done around the property to make it less attractive to criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clarkson suggested taking a walk around the garden or yard to look for anything that could help an intruder access and exit the property easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre there low-hanging tree branches that can be used to climb over a fence or wall?<\/p>\n
\u201cInspect the locks on perimeter gates and garage doors \u2013 are they in good condition, or can they be broken with some force?<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, be on the lookout for anything that can be used to force entry.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Safety precautions to safeguard your home<\/a><\/p>\n Safety tips around water activities<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clarkson said that, inside the house, window and door locks must also be checked regularly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important that outward-leading doors and windows are locked from the inside when no one is home and overnight.<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless of the time of day, keep curtains or blinds drawn in a way that makes it difficult to see in from the outside.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, never leave valuables \u2013 or keys \u2013 anywhere that they can be seen or reached from a window.\u201d<\/p>\n If there is a home security system installed, he advised that it be regularly tested to ensure that it is in proper working condition when it\u2019s needed most.<\/p>\n \u201cContact your security company to find out how to test the system.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have other security products in place \u2013 such as outdoor beams or electric fencing \u2013 ask how these can be tested too,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Clarkson added that it\u2019s a good idea to encourage members of the household to save the contact numbers for the different emergency services on their cellphones.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down with the household to talk about who needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. \u201cContact numbers that should be saved as a matter of course include the local SAPS, your private security company, if you subscribe to one, and emergency medical response (the ambulance service).<\/p>\n \u201cIf there is reason to believe that there is an intruder on the property, never go outside to investigate. \u201cImmediately call the police or your security company instead.<\/p>\n \u201cTry to remain on the line with them until officers arrive and only venture outside once they indicate that it is safe to do so,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n