3 important home security and safety tips for a long weekend

Before homeowners pack their bags and plan to get the most out of the long weekends ahead, there are a few easy measures that can be put in place to avoid making the home a target for opportunistic criminals while the family is away.

READ: 8 security tips for your garage and garage door openers

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that going away for a long weekend often acts as a great reminder to homeowners to check that their home security is up to scratch. "Not only will this give homeowners piece of mind that their home is safe while they are away, but adding or upgrading the security features on the home could also potentially add to the resale value of the property," he notes.

Below, RE/MAX of Southern Africa lists the few things homeowners should check before going away for a long weekend:

1. Check that all security measures are in working condition

Batteries can die, screws can rust, and locking mechanisms can become faulty over time. This is why it is important to check all the home's security features on a regular basis and not just before going away. Have your alarm serviced to ensure it is working properly. Test all locks to ensure they are in working order. Tug on all burglar bars and security gates to check that they are still properly fastened. Set off the alarm to check that it is still working as it ought to.    

2. Tidy up the home's exterior

Criminals target homes that appear to be empty. If the home's exterior looks neglected, this could make the home a target. Make sure to empty the post box, mow the front lawn, and pull out any weeds. Before you leave, cut back any plants that are near to your outdoor security beams so that they don't trigger your alarm while you're away. It can also help to set your indoor lights to a timer to give the impression that somebody is still at home.

3. Arrange for house sitters

Those with pets or lots of house plants that need regular watering could arrange for a house sitter. Not only will this take care of what was left behind, but it can also deter opportunist criminals. If you do go this route, leave a list of emergency contacts and some emergency cash in case something breaks or needs urgent repairing. The person will also need their own set of keys to access the property. If you don't have a spare set, remember to get these made before you leave.

As a final suggestion, Goslett reminds homeowners that if they will be away for longer than just the weekend, they could list the home as a short-term lease and hire a rental agent to manage the tenants while they are away. This could be a great way to earn some additional income while homeowners spend some time away from home".

READ: Is a burglar alarm enough? Security tips to protect your home

Home-Dzine offers two security options for homeowners to consider: 

1. A metal or wooden block to secure sliding doors

Sliding patio doors are often not the most secure and since they're at the back of the house out of view they are a very appealing target for any would-be burglars. However, no matter how many locks, they pick or windows they break to unlock the door, if you put a piece of wood or metal into the path of the sliding door, there's no way they can get short of breaking down the door and making tons of noise.

2. Metal-framed security doors

This type of door is typically a metal frame with or without added mesh screening that serves as an extra barrier between the door to your house and the outside world. The benefits of the simple addition of security doors are more multifaceted than simply being another layer of protection. These doors are fastened on tight and are much more resistant to being broken down or having their locks manipulated to open the door without a key.

With a security door you're able to open your first door while still giving no opportunity for any would-be thief to get a good look at what's inside of your house. On top of that, should someone unknown to you be knocking at your door, you can quickly jump out of the way and know that if they decide to try and forcibly enter your home the police will be well on their way before they even start making a dent in it.

Some of the most effective security tips are also the simplest. Sometimes a more sophisticated answer is required when thieves are using clever tactics, but the vast majority of home break-ins can be avoided or stopped in their tracks with simple tips like these. Don't overthink it, but make sure your home is secured. https://www.property24.com/articles/3-important-home-security-and-safety-tips-for-a-long-weekend/31609