Going on holiday should mean full relaxation in the sun with a cocktail in hand, not worrying whether your house is safe or not. It’s easy if you invest in the right products and follow the best tips, you can always rest assured your house is safe.
Here, at AFASS, we are thinking daily of the smartest and most effortless solutions to fire and security. In this post, we have put together some of the best tips we know. If you have any questions about them or our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
No Need to Worry
First things first, be prepared. Ensure you have the best precautions in place before you jet off. There’s nothing worse than those niggly thoughts in your mind – did I lock the front door? Did I set the alarm?
1. Don't make it obvious
- Leave curtains and blinds open. Closed blinds or curtains 24/7 are a clear sign that there is no one home.
- Don’t post it on social media. This is probably the most common mistake people make. Of course, you’re excited your holiday but posting it on social media is a huge signal to criminals that your house is empty and vulnerable.
- Cancel any deliveries that are due. Deliveries or delivery notes visible to an onlooker is another sign that the house is empty. Definitely don’t leave a note on your door for deliveries to go elsewhere, remember, anyone can read this!
2. Pretend someone is home
- Put an outdoor light on a timer. It’s a good idea to invest in some outside lights that are on a timer, this is an obvious telltale sign that there is someone home if there are lights on.
3. Burglars tend to avoid homes that have security systems
- CCTV can be your saving grace in terms of security. Make sure you double check it is on and working before you leave.
- It If you have CCTV, display it and make it obvious. You can buy signs for less than £5 online, take a look here.
- Use proximity sensors. These sensors can detect any activity around the property. Every sensor system offered by AFASS is bespoke and always meets the requirements of the client.
- Smart alarms that can deter and stop intruders are vital to protecting your property. They can be the biggest deterrent for potential break-ins.
4. Ask for help
- Ask neighbours to check in. It could make the difference in finding an accident or preventing something. It’s also good if onlookers can see people entering and leaving the premises.
- Tell your neighbours that they can park outside of your house. This could trick possible intruders into thinking someone is home.
5. Preventing accidents
- Turn everything off at the socket (except fridge/freezer) Don’t let being in a rush to get ready and get to the airport stop you from doing this. For example, it only takes on appliance to make an accident.
- Don’t forget to turn your heating off, this reduces risk and bills.
- Checking Smart alarms and fire alarms are the number one prevention to keep an eye on.
6. If the worst does happen...
- Make a fake hoard of ‘valuables’. If you really want to outsmart potential thieves, put together a small bunch of fake jewellery or fake valuables to deter the intruder from finding real valuables.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Put them up high or hidden in plain sight. For example, valuables folded into sanitary towel wrapper and put back into the box.
- If a theft or break in does take place, you can rely on your CCTV to access time lapses, identify time and date generation for investigation and legal proceedings.
In terms of preventing break ins, the most reliable option is having in place CCTV, sensors and alarms and AFASS provides all of these services. This investment is invaluable to you and your property’s safety, get in touch with AFASS to make your property the safest it can be.