While The Cat’s Away…
It seems colder now than it did in the weeks leading up for Christmas – and those strong gales just weren’t any fun at all! A lot of my friends are deciding to pack up and have a cheeky holiday for a week or two to escape the dreary weather at this time of year, and if you’re doing the same, there are a few safety concerns to take into account before you leave home for sunnier climes.
You know you’ll have a great time on holiday but you don’t want that to be ruined upon your return home if your house has been broken into. So, most importantly, you need to secure your home before you leave. Make sure the exterior of your home is clear and tidy and that there are no mounds of rubbish that thieves can hide behind or use as leverage to reach the upper floors of your home. If you have an old sofa on the front lawn that you’ve been meaning to take to the dump, then do it before you go away. Also make sure any outbuildings such as garages and sheds are locked (especially if they contain ladders and tools – this means the thieves won’t even have to bring their own supplies with them!) Lock any garden gates – buy a padlock if necessary. It goes without saying that you should lock any doors and windows securely and put the keys away safely, and away from the view of windows.
As well as these basic security measures, you could also invest in some spy equipment that will help to deter any burglars. ‘Spy equipment’ might sound a bit ‘James Bond’ but more and more homeowners are turning to covert surveillance equipment to protect their homes while they are away on holiday. Items to think about are motion detection recording security lighting or a CCTV setup for the perimeter of your home (you will need to ensure that the cameras are covering only your property and no public areas or walkways). Also think about installing or upgrading your alarm system or investing in a safe for your valuables.
Lastly, don’t close all of your curtains as this simply tells someone who is watching your house that you aren’t home and won’t be for a while yet! If you can get someone to go and open and close the curtains then this is the best option. Also, remember to cancel any deliveries such as milk and newspapers and delay any courier deliveries if you can. Security timer light switches are also a good idea and one of the most popular ways to create the illusion of someone being at home.
So, wherever you decide to go to escape this dull January, make sure that your home is secure before you leave and you can relax on the knowledge that you’ve done all you can to protect your home while you aree away.