Keep your home secure with these security tips from Builders

For the first time since the pandemic began, there is a realistic chance that we may be able to go on a December holiday. While the prospect of leaving our houses and spending a few weeks on the beach sounds enticing, it is always important to make sure your home is safe and secure while you are away. As a leader in all matters DIY, Builders has compiled a list of easy home security ‘hacks’ to help you make sure that you find your nest in the same condition you left it in this holiday season.

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Roshana Burnett, Senior Manager of Integrated Campaigns at Builders, says, “Keeping your home safe could just take a few simple DIY maintenance measures. Ensure you have maximum peace of mind this summer season, by getting your security ship-shape.”

Seal Your Pearly Gates:

Like a bouncer at a club, having a well-secured door is one of the best ways to keep out unwanted guests. While most of us have locks on our doors and the like, they may not always be in the best condition. Ensuring that your door lock is well maintained can be a life saver and it’s easy to do. All you need are the replacement locks and a screwdriver.

Unscrew the handle on one side and remove the steel inner bar which connects the handle to the lock. Then unscrew the lock from the face of the door and pull it out. Double check the orientation of the new lock before popping it into the door and screwing everything back in. Voila! If you need a video tutorial click here.

Builders Security Tips

“In the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives, it can often be easy to forget about things like making sure that the entrances to our homes are well maintained. A well-functioning door lock could be a life-saving measure one day. Be sure to check that door hinges and handles are well oiled,” says Burnett.

Light Up:

Outdoor lighting is a great way to get rid of any dark corners criminals may think about hiding in. So, before you leave, do a quick overhaul of your outdoor lighting situation. Should you decide you need some changes, each of these options are readily available and easy to install:

  • Motion sensing lights. These are those lights one typically sees that have very bright bulbs on either side. They generally have built-in motion sensors and three different settings (light, lux and time) to suit the environment. Make sure you check the IP (Ingress Protection) setting as this will tell you how well it will withstand the rain.
  • LED lights use very little power for the amount of light they give off and are consequently suitable to be left on all night.
  • One can also install CFL globes if you are looking for a softer light. These globes come with a built-in motion sensor and can be installed the way one would install an indoor globe.
  • Consider getting your hands on the Magneto Solar Home Lighting System which charges both via solar energy and by AC cable. Once charged it has three light settings, charges mobile phones and can keep an area illuminated for 18 on one charge.
  • Finally one can also get the Eurolux Emergency Bulb Solar Light, an outdoor light bulb that stores solar energy in case of an emergency like loadshedding.

Bar None:

Having the right set of burglar bars on your home is great for your peace of mind and your insurance premiums. But what constitutes the right set of burglar bars? Here are some things to consider when picking a set:

  • Remember to figure out whether your windows open inwards or outwards. Certain types of windows will require specific types of burglar bars.
  • Think about the design and shape of your windows as well.
  • It is also crucial to keep in mind which way the latches open.

Finally, before you head off to spend a few weeks reading that book you’ve been eyeing for months, just remember that loadshedding is an unfortunate part of South Africa’s reality. So, take care to put contingencies in place. If possible, get someone to swing by and periodically check on your home.

For more home security video tutorials click here or visit youtube.com/user/BuildersFan.

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