Peace of mind: revamp your home security
You've tried the carrot and you've tried the stick to motivate your security company but they still don't respond they way you would like them to? Maybe you should think about carrot sticks. You know, move somewhere nicer where there’s a bourgeois supermarket on every corner selling pre-peeled and pre-washed carrot sticks that are perfect with pretty little bowls of hummus or roasted red pepper dip? Nice as that would be, the reality is that your budgetary constraints might not allow for it right now. So the other option is to upgrade your home security system so that you can restore your peace of mind and know that you and your loved ones can rest easy.
The basics
Most suburban homes in South Africa come with basic security features, but you might want to double check this list just to make sure that your crib is not found wanting. Do you have a fence or wall that forms an outer perimeter with prominent alarm sign and possibly even electric fencing? Make sure trees that might give access over a wall or into a second story are regularly trimmed. Heavy vegetation can also make shadowy areas where dodgy characters can hide out. On this topic, lighting the outside of your house is also key to home security. Make sure the pathways and doorways are illuminated. A motion detector can also be a very effective deterrent and this is a relatively inexpensive security measure.
Old school aunties
Make sure that you have a solid door and security gate which cannot be easily pried open. Make sure that the gate has a frame which is bolted into the wall and not just plastered in. Windows should also be lockable and have burglar bars. Joining a local Whatsapp group or following a Facebook group for your neighborhood or street is also becoming common. This takes the nosy neighbor security benefits to the next level with a street full of paranoid spinsters constantly on the look-out.
New school gadgets
Security cameras are also becoming more affordable. There is a range called Aurora by DIY security company called KGaurd. The range starts at R3999 and includes a digital video recorder, software, four cameras, and 18m of cables. You will need a hard drive though, to plug the system into. You can also have live feed hooked up to your cellphone for extra peace of mind. You can check in with what's happening at your home when you are away by accessing the camera footage via the internet. While on the subject of technology, it’s a good idea to have an alarm – in terms of letting you and your neighbours know if something is happening at your house, but also as a deterrent since an alarm sounding off might be enough to send criminals on their way. If you don’t already have one check out DIY security alarm system here. And don’t forget, if you want to sort out your security ASAP but find you don’t have enough cash to hand, Boodle does quick loans online.
Get yourself a friend
Another way of upping the security ante at your home is by getting a dog. While the sight of the big ferocious kind would certainly be off-putting for crooks who want to gain access to your property, the smaller more vocal variety are also good for raising an alarm. Having a dog certainly adds to your peace of mind.
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