Happy Holidays! Do these home safety checks before you head off

With many people headed off on festive holiday getaways, it is vital to make sure your home safety and security is sorted. Experts offer tips. 

A good alarm system on the property is an essential factor in this day and age, but experts advise that the most effective way to prevent criminals from gaining access to your property is a layered security system.

This could include perimeter electric fencing, security beams in the garden, passive sensors on exterior doors and windows, security doors on sliding doors and burglar bars on windows.

Industry data shows there has been a marked increase in the installation of technological safety systems such as CCTV cameras, remote surveillance and infrared sensors in recent years; however, high tech security gadgets alone won’t ensure your safety.

Homeowners are advised to do an essential home security audit before going on holiday.

Assessing your security system and getting any problems dealt with by a professional technician from your security provider should be done long before you go away.

Your security system is only as effective as its weakest component. If you have invested in a home security system, you must make sure it is always functioning properly. One of the biggest benefits of having a quality security system is peace of mind, so you need to know it will not let you down when you need it most.

Home improvements or repair work around the house can also affect your security systems without you knowing so it is always a good idea to do the necessary checks after the project is complete.

This could involve inspecting individual components of the system, changing the batteries and ensuring the system parts are communicating effectively with one another – and, most importantly, with your security company’s control room.

Try these tips for pre-holiday security system testing:

1. Put your alarm panel (your system’s nerve centre) on test with your security company.

2. Check your perimeter for vulnerabilities, such as broken electric fencing, foliage, worn locks on gates or sensors not working on doors and windows.

3. Check all outside lights. Wind can shift lights and interfere with their effectiveness.

4. If someone is going to be staying in the house while you are away ensuring your remote and fixed panic buttons are working and that person knows what to do in an emergency.

5. Ensure cameras are in the right position and recording as they should be.

6. Inform your security provider if you are unsure about anything or feel your security could be compromised due to a faulty system.

Safety in community numbers

Don’t forget that security begins beyond your property wall so it's important to take an interest in what goes on in your neighbourhood and join the local neighbourhood watch if there is one.  Even if you aren’t the sociable type, try to get to know your neighbours as neighbourhoods with a strong sense of community are generally safer as residents not only keep an eye on their own homes but also those of fellow residents.

Stay alert, even when on holiday

Security begins with being alert at all times so remain vigilant, keep an eye out for slow-moving vehicles that look out of place, especially when pulling into your home and be sure to keep emergency numbers on speed dial on your phone.

When you call for emergency assistance, in the event of a fire, medical emergency or criminal incident, one of the dispatcher’s priorities is to ascertain where the emergency is taking place. Your address is naturally very important as this is relayed to the relevant emergency service, such as the fire department, police or ambulance.

Extract from Property 24