Top tips to keep your home safe this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so let’s keep it that way!

Nothing would ruin your holiday break more than returning home to find a break-in or water damage. And who wants to start the New Year buried in insurance claims?!

So, before you fully switch off and enjoy some much-needed relaxation, take a look through our top tips to ensure you have a safe and happy Christmas.

Check your Christmas lights

Before you pop your Christmas lights up, make sure you give them a thorough once-over to check for any excessive dust or loose cables. Remember, these lights are typically in in the cupboard for 11 months of the year and excessive storage can sometimes cause damage. It’s always best to check before you plug them in. Make sure the lights also meet the current Australian Standards and avoid overloading one single power board.

Decorating your tree? Lights can certainly add some festive sparkle, but be careful! Lights on trees can become hot so ensure you don’t install them near any flammable items like paper decorations. Then, play it safe when you’re not home and unplug all lights. Read more here for more tips on keeping your tree safe.

Make your home look occupied while on holidays

Heading away this festive season? Great! But remember, empty houses can become a target for the opportunistic so it’s important to make it seem like someone is home. Prepare a plan so while you enjoy yourself with the family and gorge on Christmas ham, you can rest easy knowing your home is safe.

Before you go, enlist a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to help with some easy tricks; they can collect your mail, mow the lawn and bring your bins in and out. Plus with today’s technology, Smart lights are a great way to automate your lighting to mimic your daily habits.

And before you post your #HolidaySnaps, check the privacy settings are updated on all social media accounts. You don’t want the wrong person to realize your house is empty while you’re making sandcastles on the beach!

Update your home insurance and make an inventory of belongings

Take photos, file all receipts and update your insurance prior to going away, just in case! Sometimes, we can be fully prepared but the worst can still happen. One of the most common issues that can arise when making an insurance claim is being unable to provide proof of loss.  If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you need to make a claim, it’s very helpful to have current valuation certificates, photos of items, or even an inventory list for the house.

Plus, don’t forget to read up on your insurance policy on unoccupied houses. Some policies require notification of the home being vacant for extended periods, usually 30, 60 or 90 days.

Secure all your tools and belongings in the yard or garage

Make breaking into your home hard! Tools laying around the yard or in an insecure garden shed make it that little bit easier for a person to enter your home. Avoid leaving equipment in easy access areas and ensure your garden shed is locked up. It’s even worth investing in a padlock to make it that little bit more difficult and unappealing for someone to break in.

Leaving a car behind? Make sure it’s completely empty of all belongings, that includes sunglasses, spare change and even any charging cords. If the seats and floor are completely clean, an opportunistic thief is less likely to want to break into it searching for valuable items.

If you have an automated garage, make sure it’s completely secure and even consider turning off the power supply so it can’t be opened by a universal remote.

Lock those windows and doors

Before you head out, make sure you check every window and door in the house. It’s common for criminals to enter through open or unsecured doors or windows – and a break-in would certainly ruin your holidays! If you can, it’s a good time to install deadlocks on doors and security screens on windows. Placing a wooden rod in the track of sliding windows or doors can make it even harder for these points to be opened from outside.

Then, keep your blinds and curtains closed and place all valuables out of sight. The less temptation for a passer-by the better!

Give your utilities a break

It is always a good idea to unplug any electrical items before going away for the holiday break.  Unplug and check your straightener, iron, toaster – the whole lot!

Not only does it help save on unnecessary power usage, but it protects your appliances from any power surges that may happen.

Then, turn off your water at the mains. This will ensure you don’t return to find any pesky water damage!