Going away this holiday? TIPS for SA homeowners
December is a popular time for South Africans to leave their homes to go on holiday but also an opportunity for disasters to occur while they’re away.
There are various potential risks for properties left unoccupied for extensive periods over the holiday season.
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PROPERTY DAMAGE
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) said that people should take reasonable measures to protect their properties from unforeseen events during the festive season, according to Business Tech. Doing maintenance checks on property items such as geysers and electrical works could prevent damage from burst geysers or fires breaking out due to faulty electric wiring.
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OPPORTUNISTIC BREAK-INS
SAIA’s Themba Palagangwe said: “It is unfortunate that this time of the year tends to expose homeowners to opportunistic break-ins and, in some instances, delays on the reporting of incidents to the police and insurers”.
The Chief Executive of Fidelity Services Group, Wahl Bartmann, said that criminals don’t go on holiday, so there is an increased opportunity to target unoccupied houses over this period, according to Business Tech. “Criminals are well prepared … Syndicates are well planned, and they will take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.
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TIPS FOR PREVENTION OF INCIDENTS
The SAIA gave the following tips to minimise if not prevent incidents during the holiday season:
- Inform your security company and/or neighbours that you will be away.
- Switch off the geyser and electrical plugs not in use.
- Avoid loading your vehicle in full view where anyone can be watching.
- Don’t let mail pile up – either put a hold on things like newspaper deliveries or ask a neighbour to collect your mail.
- Do not leave equipment that could help criminals (e.g. ladders) on the grounds.
- Be cautious when posting on social media about your whereabouts.
- Make sure your insurance policy is up to date.
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