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A security checklist to check every day
A security checklist to check every day
It’s all fine and well investing in a comprehensive security solution for your home or business, but if you don’t effectively use what you have then your security is just an illusion. The reality, especially in South Africa, is that we constantly need to check up on our security. We’ve put together a security checklist that you can run through every day to make sure you, your loved ones, your possessions and your property are safe. Print it out, stick it up somewhere prominent and check it every day!
1. Close and lock solid security gates and doors
A solid security gate can be installed at a front entrance, at the entrance of stairs, a passage or safety zone and at the entrance of any room or area that you want to secure. All too often, however, we become complacent with closing and locking our security gates. We sometimes end up just closing the door and forgetting, or not bothering to, close and lock the additional layer of security. If you have a security gate, use it! Every security barrier in place will help to deter criminals. It’s also important to keep checking that the gate and lock are in working order and have not been compromised in any way.
Once the gates are closed and locked, remember to close and lock the doors, too. As humans, we can be forgetful, so it’s always a good idea to just double check that you’ve closed and locked all the entrance doors, passage doors and, very importantly, garage doors on your property.
2. Inspect burglar bars
Once installed, it’s important to inspect your burglar bars on a regular basis to make sure they haven’t been tampered with in any way. Have you installed burglar bars on your window openings? You can choose between cottage pane and horizontal burglar bars or transparent burglar bars.
3. Close and slamlock retractable security barriers
The main advantage of retractable gates is that they’re there when you need them, and gone when you don’t. Don’t forget to slamlock them closed though when you do need them!
4. Arm alarm system
If you’re fortunate to have an alarm system then don’t forget to arm it when you’re out or at night. It’s also important to test it every now and then to ensure the sensors are working and that it does, indeed, trigger an alarm. If your alarm system is connected to an armed response team then it’s also good to ask them to check if they’re getting notified when the alarm is triggered.
5. Turn on the lights
Criminals can easily hide in dark places, which is why it’s so important to make sure your exterior lighting is adequate and, most importantly, switched on, at night. Make sure you also check the light bulbs and switches regularly.
6. Check security cameras
If you have cameras as part of your security solution then it’s fundamental to keep an eye on them, otherwise there isn’t much point in having them. Your cameras should be working, pointed in the right direction and offer a clear view of the selected area.
7. Save emergency numbers
Have you got all the emergency numbers you may need if there is ever an incident in your home or business? These numbers can include general emergency numbers, as well as numbers specific to you, such as your loved ones, your Doctor, your vet, your insurance, etc. These numbers should be stored in your phones and printed out.
8. Put valuables away
Sometimes we can become complacent or relaxed about crime, but we always need to be aware and do what we can to prevent crime. On this note, don’t leave valuables lying around in clear view. Rather lock possessions away. If you have a safe, use it… and don’t forget to lock it.
9. Update insurance
Insurance is one of those grudge purchases, so we can put off ensuring that our policies are up to date. Whenever you purchase something new, your insurance policy should be updated.
10. Neighbourhood watch
These days, neighbourhood watch looks more like a community WhatsApp or Facebook group. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on these groups so that you’re aware of any incidents and things happening in your area.
It all comes down to checking that the measures you have in place are still providing optimal security. They can only be effective if we use them properly. Give us a call if you need to get some of these security items ticked off your checklist.
