Many of the steps you can take to protect your condo during the holidays are more habits than investments. This can be done with some simple practices to boost your unit’s security.
The end of the ‘ber’ months, especially Christmas and New Year, is a time for festivities and rekindling camaraderie with family and friends. Yet amid the flurry of reunions, parties, get-togethers and even getaways, it is important to make sure that your home will remain safe while you are away. Read on for some easy measures that homeowners, especially condominium residents, can take to keep their dwellings secure during this busy season!
- Lock the Doors
This simple step can be all too easily forgotten in the holiday rush. If you didn’t have the habit already, make it a practice to lock all the doors in your condo, not just the outside. Pay special attention to doors opening out to terraces or balconies. Nix the habit of keeping the spare key under the doormat or in a place a burglar can easily find. There are more secure options for ensuring that you can have access to your unit even without a key.
- Unplug Everything
Apart from thieves and burglars, a danger at this time of the year is fire. Minimize this danger by unplugging all appliances and devices before going out. Your electric bill will also thank you for it.
- Prep Your Smoke Alarms
If your building doesn’t already have its own smoke detection system, it is a good idea to install one in your unit. If this is the case, make sure that your smoke alarm is fully functional and that the batteries are fresh, especially before a long trip.
- Keep Your Valuables in a Secure Place
Although having your valuables such as cash and gadgets within easy reach is convenient on a day to day basis, it is important to take extra precautions if you will be away from home for some time. Deposit all cash in your bank account and keep jewelry and important documents in a personal safe or a bank safe deposit box. Place gadgets in a separate locked cabinet, or take them with you on your trip.
- Watch Your Social Media Postings
Your first impulse, especially while on vacation in a beautiful spot, maybe to post up every selfie and groufie onto your social media pages. However, these can be clues to a would-be-burglar that no one is home and watching your unit. Refrain from posting up flight details, pictures of your boarding pass, or other vacation-related information while you are away. You can always upload all the photos when you get home.
- Let the Admin and Security Know You’ll Be Away
It is important to notify your building administrator or the head of the security office if you will be out for a considerable period of time (such as longer than overnight). Not only can you request them to watch over your unit, but you can work with them to make sure that no one will have access to your place without permission. Giving them a list of permitted visitors is a good idea prior to your departure.
- Install CCTV
Although many condominium complexes have CCTV monitoring in their common areas, it is also a wise investment to install your own CCTV system in your unit. While this may not outright deter thieves, it is a great tool in tracking down losses and launching an investigation should the worst occur.
- Automate Your Door Locks or Your Unit
Newer condominiums may already come with this feature that allows you to control the locks, lights, and appliances of your unit from your smartphone. Automation gives you an additional level of security, particularly if you can partner it with fingerprint scanning or voice recognition on your door. Now, who says that you always have to have that spare key under your rug?
Protecting your home is more of a habit than an investment. With these simple steps, may you have peace of mind and a happy holiday!
