The lead-up to the festive season is a busy one.<\/p>\n
People are packing, making holiday plans, doing last-minute shopping and attending endless year-end functions.<\/p>
However, ensuring the security of family and property should be a priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have all had a long and tough year and it is only natural to want to relax and drop your guard.<\/p>
\u201cUnfortunately, this is exactly what opportunistic criminals are depending on.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope these tips will help you enjoy the holiday with the ease of knowledge that all your security plans are in place,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
She offered the following tips of dos and don\u2019ts:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Ensure that your alarm is in working order. December is traditionally a busy period for security companies, so homeowners should test their alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday. Should the system require servicing, this should be arranged as early as possible.<\/p>\n \u2022 Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or unintentional points of access to your home that may need additional security.<\/p>\n \u2022 Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors act as an additional deterrent.<\/p>\n \u2022 Two weeks before you leave for your holiday, advise your security company of your holiday plans. Should an incident happen while you are away, it is essential that they have the following updated information: all key holder information and details of domestic workers, gardeners or house sitters who may be staying on the property while you are away.<\/p>\n \u2022 Inform your neighbours and neighbourhood watch of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property while you are away.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stop all newspaper and other deliveries if applicable and arrange that someone collects your post while you are away. A bulging post box is a clear indication that you are not home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Keep safe as the festive season approaches<\/a><\/p>\n Police appeal to parents to keep their children safe<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 If you have hired a house sitter, teach them how to use your alarm system correctly.<\/p>\n \u2022 Make sure that all bushes or trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding behind them.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be discreet when packing your car. Do so behind closed doors. If possible, in your garage.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do a quick once-over before you leave on holiday. Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors. Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Don\u2019t leave ladders, spades or tools outside as these can be excellent break-in tools. Ensure that all valuables and remote controls for automatic gates and garage doors are not left lying around.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best way to keep your home safe over the festive season and to ensure peace of mind is to follow these guidelines and to get a preholiday alarm service check-up to ensure the system is in full working order,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n \u201cYour security company can even do a full risk assessment and make recommendations as to where you can improve your home security.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may wish to consider outdoor protection beams, smoke detectors, CCTV and even electric fencing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang 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\u00a0<\/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 <\/p>\nHave a story?<\/strong><\/h4>\n