Holiday peace of mind

While many of you prepare for the fast-approaching holiday season, Solver (‘Gauteng’s preferred managing agent’), would like to remind owners of the following:

Enjoy genuine peace of mind on holiday

Summer has finally arrived, and many of us will be looking forward to getting away for some quality family time on the beach, in the bush or in the mountains. However, leaving your home for a week or two also comes with several risks. These fall into two main categories: the risk of accidental damage to your home or other forms of loss; and the risk of becoming a victim of crime while your property is unattended. Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to avoid both these scenarios and be able to truly relax while you are away.

Avoid accidental damage

Before you leave, make sure you disconnect any unnecessary electrical devices, and turn off all taps and water stop cocks. These two measures can help prevent fires or flooding while you are away. Turning off geysers means you are less likely to return home to a burst geyser and collapsed ceiling and will save you money on your electricity bills. Speaking of electricity, (if applicable) top-up your prepaid account before you head off on holiday so that all your essential devices (like your freezer) will continue working – that will avoid having to throw away thawed food when you return home.

If you have gas stoves, turn off the gas isolation valves too.

The outside is also important

As well as making sure everything is in order indoors, spend some time ensuring that all is well with the outside of your house/unit and in your yard or garden. Check drains and gutters for blockages (summer rains may cause flooding and damage), and lock away valuable items such as power tools and braais.

You will also need to think like a criminal – look for things that could help them break into your home such as tools, ladders or even wheelie bins (these make a great step up) and lock them away too.

Don’t become a victim

Before you leave, do everything you can to make sure your home is secure. If you have security gates, deadbolts, and the like – use them! Test your alarm and beams before you go away and do all the obvious steps like closing and locking all windows (no matter how small). You should also lock internal or interleading doors – and put the keys away!

If you have expensive gadgets, lock them in a safe (if you have one), or move them out of sight as a minimum – the less temptation you offer criminals, the less likely they are to want to try and break in.

Don’t advertise the fact you’re going away

No matter how thrilled you are about your vacation, don’t post about it on social media (or at least not until you get home). That goes for your street WhatsApp group too. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to visit regularly to switch lights on and off and open and close curtains. They can also water your plants.

Consider leaving an emergency contact list, keys, and alarm codes with someone you trust.

Alternatively, invest in timer switches to turn your lights on each evening, thus giving the impression that someone is home.

On the day that you leave, pack your car discreetly (ie. inside your garage), rather than in your driveway – otherwise, everyone who walks past will be able to figure out that you are going away.

Lastly, set a reminder and do not forget to pay your levies to avoid interest and collection charges being added to your account.

There is a lot to think about in the last few days and weeks, including organising care for your pets and getting your vehicle serviced and buying a new summer wardrobe. But trust us, you will have an even more enjoyable break if you follow these tips to ensure that you return home to an intact house that no-one has interfered with during your time away.

Disclaimer: Kindly note that the above article is merely for information and is not intended to be comprehensive nor to provide legal advice. Solver Property Services, its employees and agents can in no way be held liable for the accuracy or otherwise of the contents of this article, or for the consequences of any action taken or not taken by any person or organisation based on the contents herein.

For more information on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact the Solver Property Services team (010 822 2882).

Solver Property Services have close to 150 complexes that we manage in and around Gauteng. We are your preferred managing agents. High-rise buildings, clusters, apartments, we manage it all. For more information, please contact 010 822 2882. Solver Property Services has a team of experienced Property Managers / Managing Agents that can assist you. We have close to 150 complexes that we manage across Gauteng (Alberton, Bedfordview, Greenstone, Boksburg, Benoni, Midrand, Sandton, Lonehill, Roodepoot, Pretoria, Kempton Park, Riviera, Edenvale, Vaal Triangle etc are just a few areas that are covered). Solver Property Services are considered Gauteng’s preferred managing agents.