Page 24 - INTRA MUROS December 2020

LIFESTYLE

Festive Season Security Tips

ith the Festive Season nearly on know that you can't come to the phone jewellery or computers, out of plain sight if
our doorstep it’s a good time right now. they're visible from the window.
Wto remind everyone of some
simple things to do to increase your home 3. Advise the Control Room that you are 5. The Lights are on but No One's Home
security and give you peace of mind while away Don't leave your lights on at home
you are away. Notify the Control Room that you're going throughout your entire holiday in an
on holiday. The reaction officers will visit effort to make it look like someone is in
1. Ask a friend to help your home daily while you are away. If you the house. Your electricity bill will end up
A simple, albeit crucial way to gain peace have a security alarm, leave a house key being more costly than your mortgage,
of mind while traveling is to ask a friend or and the code with someone you trust, and and house lights blazing throughout the
neighbour to keep an eye on your house provide the Control Room with their name day also look a bit suspicious. Instead,
while you're away. and phone number. purchase a light switch timer that can
turn your lights on and off automatically
2. Don't tip off criminals on the web/ 4. Curtains closed or open? according to a programmed schedule.
social media Before you leave for your well-earned Criminals keeping an eye on your house
In a world where it seems everyone is break, you may decide to close your will notice lights flipping on and off, and
blabbing about their business on social curtains to prevent people from peering will probably assume someone is doing
networking sites like Facebook and inside your home. However, closed curtains the flipping.
Twitter, it's important to STOP AND THINK: also stop those who aim to help - the
Who exactly is reading this stuff? The security team, your neighbours or friends 6. Pull the plug
anonymity of the internet can encourage - from seeing inside your house. So, what's Unplug your television, computer, toaster
us to share personal information without your best bet? Leave your curtains exactly and other appliances to protect them
fully realising that there may be hundreds as you usually have them when you're from power surges. This will help you
of complete strangers receiving our daily home, since noticeable changes could hint save power as well, as many appliances
musings. Be careful what you say on your that you're not around - especially if your draw energy when plugged in even when
voice mail too. Callers don't need to know curtains are uncharacteristically left closed they're not in use.
that you're not home - they just need to for two weeks. Move expensive items, like

22 INTRA MUROS DECEMBER 2020