Secure your home during the holiday season

There are a number of precautions you can take to safeguard your home and valuable possessions while you are away on holiday.

Advise your security company

Let your security company know that your house is going to be unoccupied for a period. Have them test your alarm system and arrange for additional security. Remember to provide them with an alternative contact in case of an incident, as you may not be available.

Make use of intruder detection, armed response, CCTV or static guarding services. If you have a large or isolated property, if possible, install the latest in home security features, including monitored perimeter beams (wireless or fixed), monitored CCTV services, monitored electric fencing, and motion sensor lighting. Some home security systems allow you to view live video remotely from your phone, so you can see what’s happening in real-time.

Don’t advertise that you are going on holiday

Do not share your holiday plans on social media, as this is a platform where criminal elements can obtain information and learn exactly when and for how long your home will be unoccupied.

When packing your car for a holiday trip, try doing so out of sight of the road, away from prying eyes.

Remember to cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions so that these items do not pile up in your mailbox or in front of your doorstep.

Consider installing timer switches to switch your lights on and off at the relevant times as this will give the illusion that the house is occupied. Closing all your window coverings will alert criminals that no one is home.

Ask for assistance

When making use of house-sitting services, set out the rules, responsibilities and obligations in writing. Pay attention to activities that may compromise your insurance cover, such as not arming the alarm when leaving the house, and make sure that your valuables are safely locked away.

Although having someone staying in your home while you are away will alleviate most of the stresses involved in leaving your home unoccupied, it is still a good idea to have a reliable person check on the house from time to time, especially if you have pets.

If you are not using a sitter, ask a friend or neighbour to visit your house regularly to check for any problems. Ask them to collect your mail from your mailbox, open and close your curtains and take out your trash on collection days.

Update your insurance cover

Making sure that your short-term and homeowners insurance is up to date and adequate is of critical importance. Suitable insurance cover affords you a safety net against unforeseen events that could have a devastating effect on your financial wellbeing. Ideally, your cover should ensure that your financial position is virtually unaffected by damage or loss.

Discuss the terms and conditions of your policy with your insurance specialist, and make sure that you understand exactly what is covered and what is not, as well as what your rights and obligations are.

The information contained on this website (or in this article) is of a general nature and intended for information purposes only. It is neither to be construed as financial advice nor to be regarded as a definitive analysis of any financial, legal or other issue. Individuals must not rely on this information to make a financial or investment decision. Before making any decision, we recommend you consult your financial planner/advisor to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs.