If you are lucky enough to be going away over the summer holidays, you’ll want to make sure your home is as secure as possible while you’re away, to avoid any nasty surprises when you return.
Here are some tips for securing your home
• Secure all tools, ladders, axes, hammers, and saws – anything that will help thieves break into your house
• Lock all doors and windows, set alarms, and use deadbolts (don’t forget the garage)
• Leave your curtains open and your blinds up, but if you have anyone popping over, get them to adjust them now and again
• Use lights with timers - a dark home over many nights is a sure sign you’re away. Timed lighting gives the appearance of activity, and the more you mix up the lighting timing and locations, the better
• Unplug appliances and devices to minimise the risk of electrical fires
• Clean out your fridge to minimise the amount of food you keep in the fridge and freezer while you’re on holiday. That way less will be lost if there’s a power cut while you’re away
• Be careful who you tell, don’t advertise your absence on your phone answering machine, sites like Facebook, or anywhere else that isn’t secure
• Leave an emergency contact number with friends or neighbours
• Keep the garden tidy if you are lucky enough to be away for an extended period, arrange for someone to come and mow your lawns and tend to the garden
• Ask a friend to help if you’re going to be away for an extended period, you may want to ask a friend to pop over once a week
• Keep a car in the driveway or ask a neighbour to park in your driveway occasionally
• Tell neighbours you're going away and arrange for them to collect your mail. Nothing says, “No one’s home!” like an overflowing mailbox
• Hide any valuables including jewellery so that thieves cannot locate them easily
Now kick back and enjoy your holiday with additional peace of mind.