Smart security options to keep your family safe this Festive Season

21 Dec Smart security options to keep your family safe this Festive Season

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your family is almost ready to leave on your annual “groot trek” to a sun-drenched beach destination a couple of hundred kilometers away (by the way, you deserve it after a long, difficult year!). But you cannot help but feel that you have forgotten something. Everything packed? Check! House armed? Check! Windows locked? Check! Switched off the geyser? Check…

Wait! Before you drive yourself and others insane trying to remember what you have forgotten, read on for some great safety, security as well as general tips on keeping safe during the holiday season.

Don’t become a statistic, plan ahead with security solutions!

Did you know that, according to the SAPS Crime Statistics for the first quarter of 2023/2024, 409 burglaries were recorded per day between April and June 2023? Over the same time, police recorded 53 house robberies per day.  The difference between a burglary and a robbery is the presence of a victim, with victims being present during a robbery. Sadly, this statistic shows an increase from the same time last year. Either way, criminals are becoming more brazen and the need to increase your security solutions is of paramount importance.

Do you have a security service provider? As a security company, do they plan to provide managed security services and security patrols in and around your neighbourhood while you and many others in your suburb are away? These are the types of questions that you need to consider and ask your preferred security company to suit one that best meets your needs.

How do I secure my home?

While you are away, your home is a sitting target for home invaders. Secure your home and valuables against intruders by making it as difficult as possible to gain entry and access to the property. Make it difficult to even enter the grounds of the house and then follow on from there, using a variety of security measures to secure your home.

Remember too, to ensure that your household insurance is updated, adequate in terms of meeting your particular needs and in order before departing on your trip.

The following devices are typically installed at many homes to prevent easy access to your property, not only when travelling but at all times:

• Alarm systems
• Electric fences
• Razor wire
• Burglar bars
• Security bars and gates
• Safety chains on doors
• Peephole on doors
• Intercom systems between the main gate and the house

Ensure that all of the above are in good working order to keep your security solutions accurate and updated. Many of the devices mentioned won’t stop thieves and robbers completely but it may either slow them down or have them decide to enter a dwelling with fewer security features.

Be smart security conscious! Ensure that all gates and doors are locked before your departure.

Use some smart security tips from others to assist you in securing your home:

• If you do have gates bordering your property, ensure that they are locked when you depart or should they be electronic, that they are properly closed.
• Ensure that the outside gates have sturdy locks or that your electronic motor is well maintained and tamperproof;
• Ensure that each outer door of the home has a strong security gate that is both locked and secured;
• Do not keep any keys to the house hidden near or around doors. No matter how good you think the hiding place is, I can assure you that it’s a bad idea!
• Ensure that all opening windows have adequate burglar proofing or burglar bars covering them and that they are fully closed and locked.
• Should your dogs be staying on the property while you are away, ensure that they have full access around the perimeter of the house. This will assist in helping the home look as if it is occupied plus, if someone should try to enter the property, a smart security idea is to let your dogs have full access so that there is no “easier” area to target. They are a major deterrent, not only in chasing intruders but also by barking and alerting people that someone is there or that something is not right;
• On a side note here, should your dogs or other pets be staying at your home and not boarding at kennels, ensure that their pet sitter is a trustworthy individual. Do background checks, contact several references and do your homework before leaving your precious pets and home in the hands of people with whom you are unfamiliar.
• An electric or mechanical alarm system is one of the best smart security solutions available today, provided that it is in good working order and the armed response security company to which it is linked has excellent backup security patrols and response teams.
  • Alarms can be heard from a long distance away and can act as an effective deterrent;
  • Keep panic buttons or switches tested and/or serviced regularly as you never know when you might need one;
  • Install panic buttons in various rooms throughout the house
• With the amount of load shedding that South Africa experiences, installing good quality (preferably solar-powered!) security lights is a very good investment to deter unwanted visitors who don’t want to be caught in the spotlight at night. They improve the physical protection of the dwelling and work well whether occupants are home or not.
• Ensure that all tools such as axes, picks, ladders, and spades are under lock and key not only when leaving on holiday but always when they are not in use. They can be the perfect tools to gain entry into your home or worse!
• Inform a trusted neighbour of your travel dates and when the house will be empty or who they can expect to see there while you are away, for example, a gardener, pool service or pet sitter. An extra person keeping an eye out while you are away can only be a good thing!
• Lock away all valuables including laptops, cell phones, jewellery and so forth.
• Don’t advertise on social media that you plan on being away.

Tips when travelling

When on holiday, people tend to let down their guard as they relax and unwind, which can unfortunately be to their detriment. Thieves, scam artists, and robbers don’t take holidays and are always on the lookout for victims to target.

Keep the following smart security tips in mind when travelling:

• Whether you are planning to be gone for a night or a month, it’s always a good idea to let a few trusted friends or family know your travel plans and itinerary. Doing this and then keeping in regular contact with them to confirm that all is in order, is a smart security move. If they don’t hear from you or are unable to contact you, they will be able to give information on your last whereabouts and the location to which you were heading;
• Should you be travelling by car, ensure that your vehicle’s maintenance and servicing are up to date and that there aren’t any issues – the last thing a person wants is to be stuck on the side of the road! The Automobile Association usually offers a free safety check on vehicles during peak holidays, use it! Rather safe than sorry!
• Check the route! You don’t want to be driving around aimlessly in a new town or city and not know exactly where you are headed, or head through a potentially dangerous area. Use your mobile phone or go old school with a map but ensure that you do know your route. Also, be discreet if you do use a map, people who are not familiar with an area are more likely to be targeted;
• Get to know your destination before your arrival by reading traveller’s reviews, tourism websites and online information sources. Consult with local tourism boards or information centres about which neighbourhoods, areas and places to avoid during your stay;
• Be alert when drawing cash from ATMs. There are so many scams going around that it is best to rather withdraw money inside a bank or business with other people in the vicinity or an area that has visible security patrols or managed security services;
• People who look like tourists or that they are from out of town are more likely to be targeted or vulnerable to crime. Be discreet with consulting maps and be careful in who you choose to assist you with directions, if need be;
• Speaking of directions, rather download an app or two on your phone to assist in directions, should you be hesitant to ask locals;
• Keep local emergency numbers handy when you travel:
  • Emergency – 112 from any cell phone
  • Police – 10111
• If you plan on travelling abroad, make a copy of important documents. Keep copies of your driver’s license, passport, itineraries, and other important documents in your accommodation or luggage and separately from the originals – you never know when you may need them!
• Keep your smart security strategies in place when staying at various accommodation establishments, such as hotels or hostels:
  • Try to give the impression that you are in your room, even when you are away. Place a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door, and keep your blinds or windows closed;
  • Don’t let strangers into your hotel room, even if they say that they are employed by the accommodation establishment;
  • Use all the security measures that are available to you, such as deadbolts and chains.
• Social media is always a dead giveaway that you are not home. Be careful of what you post!
• Recording a memory for the family photo album – or even that perfect selfie! – takes a lot of effort and concentration. Don’t let your guard down and keep a close eye on all your belongings as you take photographs or are busy enjoying the view;
• Although we hate to think of the possibility that it may be needed, travel with a medical kit, as well as any other chronic medication that is required for while you are travelling. Should a member of your family have chronic health issues, research the closest and best medical care options in the region you are visiting;

Be discreet and security smart when using a map as tourists are more vulnerable and likely to be targeted by criminals

Water safety tips

Relaxing on the beach or at the pool sounds like a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a wonderful holiday! Check out some tips for water safety before heading out:

• Don’t swim alone. Take a friend with you, even if they don’t join you in the water, have someone on hand to be able to assist you should you require it;
• Never jump or dive into water that isn’t at least 3.6 metres deep;
• Stay water-safe and know your limits. If you are not a good swimmer, acknowledge that and keep to shallower, calmer waters. Keep a close eye on children in the water and never leave them alone. Accidents can happen in seconds;
• Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol and water are never a good combination and many accidents happen when people are intoxicated. Don’t become a statistic, leave the alcohol for another time;
• Swim in safe places only. Swim in places where there are lifeguards on duty within the designated area;
• Safety in the sun. Use good quality sun sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun’s harsh UV rays;
• Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep yourself hydrated. Drink small amounts over regular intervals rather than large amounts infrequently to keep yourself well hydrated;
• Keep an eye on your personal belongings. Be security smart and keep your valuables to a minimum when out and about, especially near a pool or on the beach where somebody can easily steal your belongings while you are enjoying the water.

Stay water safe and know your limits when it comes to both your fitness level and swimming ability

Criminals are opportunists, always on the lookout for the next victim. Be security smart and protect yourself and your loved ones as you embark on a wonderful holiday.