How to secure your home

 

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The article is taken from Ooba's website. Writer unknown. 

With the rising concern of theft within our area, it is always good to be prepared. Knowing what to look for and check for any vulnerable places within your house will make it that more difficult to become another statistic.  

The turmoil you experience when a break in has occurred diminishes your feeling of safety and causes more problems. 

Effective security should be a priority when moving into a new home, and knowing how to secure your home is crucial for your own peace of mind.

Article summary

· It’s essential to know how to make your house safe from burglars in South Africa to ensure your personal safety as well as to safeguard your belongings.

· This will add value to your property and most likely have a positive effect on your household insurance premiums.

· Make sure all opening windows and doors are protected by burglar guards and preferably an alarm system.

· Don’t become complacent. Use the alarm system if you have one.

Personal safety will always be a priority in South Africa. Securing your new home should be one of the first things you do—preferably before you move in—so that you leave nothing to chance or, in this case, an opportunistic burglar who might see you as an easy target.

What are the most effective ways to secure your home?

Smart home security will not only protect you and your family, but will also add value to your home. South Africans are security conscious and a property that appears to be vulnerable will immediately be perceived as less valuable. Prevention is vital in the fight against crime, so knowing how to secure your home in South Africa is crucial for your own peace of mind and the future safety of you and your family.

Here are the areas you should focus on when looking to improve your home security:

Perimeter

Securing your perimeter should be the first thing you do, and you can do so effectively with a mix of technological and traditional security measures.

· An electric fence or wall can be a solid deterrence. If it’s a wall, it helps to reinforce it with barbed wire or spikes on top; otherwise, burglars will be able to easily climb over.

· Having visibility on the perimeter of your home is essential, so install CCTV cameras as soon as you can.

· Certain smart technologies that enable you to monitor your perimeter from remote locations will also boost your security and significantly improve the value of the home.

The gate

According to the experts on mrgate.co.za, potential weaknesses of a gate include:

· Lifting. Burglars can lift the gate to gain access to the property. You can prevent this by securing the gate with anti-lift brackets.

· The gate rack. On sliding gates, this can be forced away from the gate (usually with a crowbar), allowing it to be opened. You can prevent this by welding a flat bar onto the rack to prevent it from being moved.

· The intercom. Burglars can press this to see if the home is occupied. Certain smart technologies enable you to connect your intercom system to your smartphone so that you’ll know if someone has pressed the intercom button.

· The gate remote. Ensure you’re using a modern remote with up-to-date technology, as older remotes can be copied, or the settings replicated.

Windows

Burglar bars are essential, and should be robust. Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive at Fidelity ADT, suggests installing burglar bars on the outside of the windows, even though they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

Doors

Main doors must be made of strong material, and reinforced, preferably with multi-point locks that can lock the door at several points.

Dogs

Investigator Brigadier Piet Byleveld says that dogs are one of the most effective security measures. As well as deterring criminals, they provide an early warning system.

Alarm system

Research by professor Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice and Police Practice shows alarms and security sensors to be among the most effective burglar repellents. The alarm should be installed by an armed response company, and it’s important to test it regularly and keep it maintained.

Staff

Rudolph Zinn interviewed 30 perpetrators who were convicted and incarcerated for aggravated robbery, and the majority said that they relied on inside information when deciding which homes to target. That’s why Piet Byleveld advice to screen your workers, including domestic workers and gardeners, for criminal records, and finding out why they left previous employment.

Know the enemy

Do your best to inform yourself about how burglars operate. Seek advice from the local police station if possible. Low-level thieves will usually only target homes with no security, but more “professional” burglars operate in groups; are keenly aware of security response times; and will usually survey properties before commencing with their burglary attempt.

Rudolph Zinn’s research shows that burglars targeted homes according to the following factors:

· Wealth. Victims were targeted because the burglars knew there would be valuables in the house.

· Inside information. As mentioned above, burglars prefer to target homes where information has been provided to them.

· Proximity. Burglars prefer to target homes within 10 to 30 minutes driving distance.

· Low security. Homes with substandard security were naturally a target.

Finding a good security provider

Whatever your plan is, ensure that your security provider is a registered member of the South African Intruder Detection Service Associations (SAIDSA), so you can be confident that their equipment and training meets the standards.

Source: How to secure your home against burglars in South Africa (ooba.co.za)

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THE WINTER HOME: Smart ways to Prepare your Home for Winter

 

Article May 17, 2022, | By Lifestyle Reporter

Blocked gutters, cracked foundations, rotting window and door frames, mould, and burst water pipes are just some woes that property owners can experience during the harsh winter months.

Given that homes are the largest investment for many South Africans, and that it can be extremely costly to repair cold weather damage, it makes financial sense to invest some time and money in preventative measures.

Shafeeka Anthony, marketing manager of personal finance website JustMoney.co.za, says: “Houses can take a real hammering during the winter. Whether rain, harsh winds, hail or frost occur in your area, it’s best to undertake any outstanding maintenance sooner rather than later.

“Start by checking the property exterior, then progress to the interior. This will not only help prevent expensive repair bills down the line, but will help ensure that you and your family are snug and cheerful during the cold months.”

JustMoney offers the following ten property maintenance tips:

1. Cut back vegetation: Overhanging trees can drop branches and leaves on your and your neighbour’s roof and prevent sun from warming your home. Check the health of your trees and trim branches back if needed. Sweep walkways and pavements to prevent slipping.

2. Clear rain gutters: Autumn leaves can pile up in gutters, so clear them and ensure they function properly. While you’re on the roof, look out for any missing or cracked tiles or shingles. Add downspout extenders to your gutters if necessary to prevent water from pooling at the foundation.

3. Inspect windows and doors: Check for cracked, chipping or peeling paint. Insulate any draughty openings to keep cold at bay and decrease heating costs.

4. Prepare your pool: Inspect and shut down your pool system. If you discover problems, autumn is a good time to schedule repairs as pool contractors are less busy.

5. Adjust your irrigation system: Adjust water times and check for broken lines to avoid wasting water.

6. Check outdoor lighting: Ensure that outdoor lights are operational to optimise visibility during early morning departures and late arrivals home. A well-lit exterior will enhance both your personal safety and home security.

7. Heat your home: Check ceiling insulation and clean your chimney. Ensure that oil, gas, or underfloor heating systems are operational. Cut and stack garden wood or place your order for a delivery of firewood. Store it in a clean, dry location.

8. Make an entrance: Place dirt-trapping, rubber-backed door mats at main doors. Install hooks or a rail to hang wet, heavy coats.

9. Add layers: Installing thick, lined curtains, and placing rugs on the floor will help keep surroundings cosy. Fragranced candles, textured throws and additional cushions add comfort. Don’t forget your pets. Ensure they have sufficient clean, warm bedding, and consider a bird feeder in the garden.

10. Fund repairs wisely: Some preventative measures require only a layer of varnish and a few nails. Other repairs are expensive and call for the services of a professional, for example a tree cutter with the appropriate horticultural training and insurance. Ask friends for recommendations and shop around to ensure you get the best value for your hard-earned money.

“The cost of property repairs is a timely reminder of the importance of building up emergency savings,” says Anthony. “Ideally, you should have sufficient funds to cover your costs for six months. It’s also a good idea to check whether some repairs might be covered under your insurance policy.”

Repairs could also be funded via your home loan if you have built up sufficient resources. Your mortgage bond is the lowest interest loan you will ever get.

“Alternatively, you may have to fund repairs by taking out a personal loan. It’s vital to be fully aware of the type, purpose and conditions of any debt before taking it on. Only apply for a personal loan if you are confident that you can make the repayments comfortably,” says Anthony.

Ten smart ways to prepare your home for winter (ecr.co.za)