Four routines for a safe home

Do you ever rush to make it to work on time and forget to lock your back door? Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you may have left your garage door open all day? We make home security mistakes all the time, but it does not need to be that way. If you just take 5 minutes of your time, you’ll be able to secure your home properly. Here is a quick guide.

     1.       Now that the weather is really hot, go from room to room and give your windows a quick check. Make sure that windows are locked and do not appear to be tampered with. Be sure to lock windows on second floors as well; burglars have been known to use ladders in order to access second story windows.

     2.       Be sure that outside items are picked up and put away. It may be ridiculous, but some of the most common items stolen from a home are children’s outside toys and lawn furniture left outside for extended periods. Criminals who are looking to make a quick score will grab high dollar bicycles, squirt guns, braai grills, pool equipment and so much more. These items are then sold for money, it’s not exactly the crime of the century, but some criminal’s specifically look for these items as they know the police are not going to put much effort into finding the culprit.

     3.       Make sure security cameras, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and gas detectors are working, if you’re not sure how get a professional from a home security company like SIS – Safety& Investigation Services to check for you. You’re probably wondering how this relates to your home getting broken into. These items relate directly to the safety and security of your home and family, we’re not suggesting you check these items every time you leave, but you should check them throughout the year.

     4.       Last, but not least, make sure you turn off your oven and the iron! Seriously, leaving these two items on has become quite a cliché. However you might be shocked to learn of the high number of home fires which occur each year due to the unsafe use of these items and others like them.

Some of the items do not have to be performed before you leave your home every day, but you should always keep them in mind and try and fit them into your routine. Pick and choose what works best for you and your living situation.

Written By: Christine Romans