How to Stay Safe in the Hottest Month of the Year!
As you all know February is Durban’s hottest month of the year, so fans and air conditioners are on full blast to keep cool. This is all well and good until you notice the TV abruptly switch off. Yes, you guessed it! Load shedding is back and for those 2 hours a day, everyone is trying to find creative ways to stay cool and sometimes they compromise on safety for a good cross breeze. This makes securing your home even more complicated and is one of the reasons that we have witnessed a spike in home invasions over the last few months.
So, with that in mind, here are our top safety tips to keep you safe this summer and some special tips to help you stay safe during load shedding.
1. Perimeter check
Take a walk around your property to inspect fences, walls and gates checking for any evidence of damage or tampering that could allow intruders access to the property.
2. Repair and replace
Check all windows, burglar bars and security gates to ensure putty and screws are not loose and that there are no rusted or damaged bars that might need to be replaced.
3. Lock up
Remember to make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and locked, and, don’t forget to double-check the windows in children’s bedrooms and bathrooms. Leaving a door unlocked because of the heat, even if you have a security gate, makes it easier and quicker for criminals to break in so rather err on the side of caution.
4. Second-floor safety
Don’t assume that it’s safer upstairs. Secure second-floor windows and doors with burglar bars and sensors linked to the alarm. There have been incidents where cat burglars have climbed gutters and nearby trees to get into a house or flat
5. Secure outbuildings
Outbuildings are often an extension of your home, so there is yet more property to steal from. Often these buildings don’t have the best security, ensure rusty locks are replaced and doors locked.
6. Light up
Research has shown that burglars do not favour breaking into a well-lit property, so make sure that you have sufficient outdoor lighting that switches on at night.
7. Cut back foliage
If you have an electric fence cut back any overhanging trees that could soon touch the fence. This will result in a false alarm and an unwanted call from your security company. Also, remember to trim overgrown bushes around the house and along the driveway that could provide potential hiding places for intruders.
8. Boost up barriers
Consider conducting a security assessment of your property to understand your security needs better. Additional devices such as indoor and outdoor CCTV surveillance cameras not only act as a deterrent but they can also allow you to monitor your home while you are away. An anti-gatecrashing kit has also become an almost essential part of any home alarm system. Criminals now commonly use this modus operandi and the kit provides an early warning system if intruders tamper with the gate.
9. Test in time
Test all zones of your alarm system and remember to call your security company’s control centre to inform them that you will be conducting a test. This will prevent a vehicle from being unnecessarily dispatched as a result of the alarm test. If you pick up any faults with your alarm system, then arrange for a technician to attend to the problem to avoid any issues when you really need help.
10. Batteries
A depleted battery compromises your safety in many ways. Depending on the complexity of your system, multiple devices can be connected to one battery which drains the stored power even faster. A backup battery running on low leaves you completely vulnerable during load shedding, adverse storm conditions and general power failures when the electricity powering your alarm system goes out.
Ensuring you have the correct battery, you might even need more than one, with sufficient voltage to see you through the dark times, is crucial. If you are unsure, test your battery at least once every quarter to ensure it’s still in good working order.
If you need any further advice on how to secure your home, test your alarm system or obtain additional security barriers contact Blue Security on 031 717 5000.