The festive season is basically here. Everyone’s holidays are booked, and leave is submitted. These are exciting times, but we need to remember that the festive season also brings increased risk to our safety and security. As much as we should focus on winding down and having fun, we should also focus on protecting our families, homes, and communities.

But how exactly does one do that? Well, the Monitor Net team has compiled a few tips to help you get through the holiday period unscathed. For personalised security advice, consider consulting with a security company.

Home Security and Property Protection

1. Don’t Advertise Your Plans

Rule number one. Plans advertised explicitly on social media are a goldmine for criminals. It’s a dead giveaway that your home will be left unattended. Avoid posting your holiday plans or travel dates online. Share your festive season photos after you return home, not while you’re away. This simple precaution significantly reduces the risk of burglary.

2. Secure Your Property Perimeter

Inspect all gates, fences, and walls to ensure they’re in good condition before the festive season. Verify that locks and electric gates are functioning properly, and test your alarm system’s outdoor beams and sensors. Make sure electric fences are maintained and operational.

Remove excessive vegetation that could trigger false alarms or provide cover for intruders. Well-lit perimeters are essential for deterring criminals. Consider installing LED solar-powered lights to illuminate your property at night.

3. Make Your House Look Occupied

A dark, quiet house signals to criminals that residents are away. Use timer switches for lights to create the appearance that someone is home. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect your post and put out rubbish bins on collection day. These small details suggest ongoing activity. An unkept lawn clearly indicates the house is empty, so arrange for your garden service to access the property and maintain it as you normally would.

4. Coordinate with Your Security Service Provider

Inform your security company if you’re travelling. They can increase patrols and respond immediately if your alarm triggers. Update your emergency contact details and appoint a reliable key holder.

5. Protect Valuables and Maintain Privacy

Never leave gifts, electronics, or handbags visible through windows where criminals can spot them. Secure expensive items in a safe or hidden area, and keep curtains or blinds drawn at night. When gifts are exchanged during the festive season, don’t leave packaging from new electronics on the sidewalk with the garbage. Criminals notice these indicators of valuable items inside your house. Break down boxes for expensive items like TVs and computers to avoid advertising purchases.

Instead, dispose of packaging at a recycling plant. This practice not only helps prevent crime but also benefits the environment.

6. Stay Alert to Suspicious Activity

Building strong relationships with neighbours is a key component of community policing. Get to know the residents in your area and watch for unusual vehicles or unfamiliar people. Report suspicious individuals and vehicles to your security service provider immediately, and share this information with neighbours via community WhatsApp groups.

Join your local Community Police Forum (CPF) to stay informed about crime trends and community policing initiatives in your area. Most crimes are prevented because someone noticed something and took action. Remember: accountability and participation in community safety is everyone’s duty.

7. Verify Your Alarm and CCTV Technology

Test your alarm system before the festive season begins and replace weak batteries in remotes or sensors. If you have CCTV cameras, ensure they’re recording properly and that plants or decorations don’t obstruct the view.

The implementation of reliable security technology is essential for safeguarding your property. Consult the technical department of your security service provider if you require assistance or need a professional alarm technician to service your system.

8. Celebrate Responsibly and Safely

If you’re entertaining at home during the festive season, be mindful of who enters your property. Criminals often take advantage of open gates or unattended doors during gatherings. Park vehicles on your property and ensure valuables are removed from the vehicles and hidden from view.

Consider hiring a car guard for the duration of the function if securing multiple vehicles becomes problematic. Your security service provider with armed response will appreciate being informed about the gathering and the presence of the guard. Their additional patrols will contribute to a pleasant, care-free function and help prevent any criminal activity.

Festive Season Road Safety

Road safety becomes even more critical as the festive season approaches. With increased traffic, long-distance travel, and unfortunately, impaired driving, South Africans must take extra precautions to protect themselves and other road users. The South African Police Service and emergency services respond to countless accidents during this period, many of which could have been prevented with proper planning and awareness.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before any journey, ensure your vehicle is in good condition: Before heading out on a long road trip, check that your vehicle has proper safety features.

• Check tyres, brakes, lights, and fluid levels
• Verify your spare wheel is present and inflated
• Test all lights, including indicators and brake lights
• Ensure your car is serviced and roadworthy
• Pack an emergency kit with tools, water, and a phone charger

A broken-down vehicle on the side of the road can put your family in danger. Proper vehicle preparation is a crucial aspect of road safety.

Plan Your Route and Rest Stops

• Plan your route and share it with family or friends
• Identify rest stops and service stations
• Avoid driving at night when visibility is reduced
• Take breaks every two hours to stay alert
• Check traffic updates before departing
• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same

Fatigue is a major contributor to accidents. Proper rest helps you stay focused and responsive to road conditions and other vehicles.

Never Drink and Drive

This cannot be overstated: avoid driving if you’ve consumed alcohol. The festive season sees a tragic increase in accidents caused by drunk driving. If you plan to drink at gatherings, arrange alternative transportation. Designate a sober driver, use ride-sharing services, or stay overnight. The South African Police Service conducts increased roadblocks during this period specifically to prevent drunk driving. Protect your own life and the lives of others by making responsible choices. Your commitment to this principle could save lives.

Be Aware of Pedestrians

During the festive season, many pedestrians are on the roads, particularly in residential areas and near shopping centres. As citizens behind the wheel, we must be vigilant and respectful of pedestrians. Reduce speed in areas where children might be playing.

Be especially careful when reversing or leaving driveways. Pedestrians have the right of way at crossings. Stay alert and avoid distractions like mobile phones.

Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. During the busy festive season, it’s crucial to maintain complete focus on the road. Avoid using your mobile phone while driving. Secure children properly before starting your journey.

Never leave children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. The health and safety of your passengers depend on your full attention.

Additional Festive Season Safety Tips

Financial Safety

Avoid large cash withdrawals before travelling. Criminals actively target people, drawing substantial sums ahead of holidays. Use electronic transfers or in-store card payments instead. If you must carry cash, keep it hidden and never count money in public. Be alert at ATMs and banks, and avoid using them at night. These practices help protect you from becoming a target for criminal activity.

Trust and Supervision

If someone is housesitting, cleaning, or doing maintenance at your property, ensure they’re trustworthy and have been properly vetted. Never leave children unattended with unfamiliar domestic staff or contractors. Verify references and conduct background checks where possible. Your duty to protect your family extends to carefully managing who has access to your home and children during the festive season.

Backup Power for Security Systems

Load-shedding can disable alarms and electric gates, leaving your property vulnerable. Ensure your security system has a charged battery or solar backup. Test these systems before the festive season to confirm they maintain functionality during power outages. This preparation is essential for the continuous protection of your property and family.

Key Management

Don’t leave spare keys outside your house under mats, in planters, or in other obvious hiding spots. Criminals know all the common locations. Instead, give spare keys to trusted neighbours or family members. This simple practice significantly reduces your vulnerability to criminal activity.

Health and Wellness

The festive season can be stressful and overwhelming. Take care of your physical and mental health. Get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and maintain healthy eating habits despite the temptations of holiday feasts. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to friends, family, or professional support services. Your well-being is essential for enjoying the festive season and staying alert to potential safety concerns.

Stay safe, stay secure, and enjoy the holidays!

At Monitor Net, we’re committed to keeping your family and property safe. Our services include 24/7 alarm monitoring, armed response, alarm installation, and off-site monitoring.

Contact us to discuss your security needs.