Published with permission from Vero Insurance New Zealand.
Planning a weekend away for Waitangi? Whether you are hitting the road, or staying home, spending some time ensuring your home is secure is bound to make the last of summer a whole lot more stress-free for you.
Here are five home security steps to try now so you can enjoy the last of the summer season!
1. Have a chat with the neighbours
If you’re heading away (even if it’s just for the weekend), pop over to your neighbours house and let them know the dates you’re away. They’ll be able to keep an eye on the place plus any comings and goings. Ask if they’ll clear your letterbox, and think about joining a Neighbourhood Support group. It’s just another way to bring your neighbours (and the neighbourhood) together and keep up to date on how you can be more prepared.
2. Check your alarm and locks
Double check your alarm is working, the batteries aren’t running low and, if possible, are monitored. Another way to monitor your home when you’re away is to have a Wi-Fi camera. Check the locks on all your doors, windows and ranch sliders are functioning and secure. If you have any plants around your home, give them a trim so there are no appealing places for burglars to hide in.
3. Keep things tidy
Theft is often just opportunistic, people trying a car door or looking up a driveway for anything left lying around. It pays to put away gardening tools like, lawnmowers, plus any bikes and barbeques when you’ve finished with them. If you have a garden shed or garage, make a habit of locking it everyday.
4. Have a secure staycation too
When at home, either relaxing or pottering around the garden, you usually have the doors and windows open. Be conscious of anyone trying to gain access via these areas and, it might even pay to close certain access points while in the garden. Lock up or close anything that might provide easy access for thieves.
5. Prepare for a smoother claim process
To help you prove you own expensive items, take photos of them incase you need to claim for it at a later date. However, if you’ve followed the above steps, the only photos you’ll have to look at are all your beautiful your holiday ones!
By Matt Williams