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Helpful hints for home security

Having security on your Home can act as a precautionary measure to protect you against burglary and theft. Installing a minimum level of security can make all the difference to help prevent an intruder coming into your Home when unattended, such as:

• Key-operated two-cylinder deadlocks fitted to all external hinged doors.

• Key-operated lock or patio bolts fitted to all external sliding doors.

PLUS one of the following:

• Key-operated single cylinder window locks fitted to all accessible windows.

• Security grills or security screens fitted to all accessible windows.

• Local type burglar alarm system installed in the home.

In addition to these measures, here are some easy steps to assist in making your home safer.

• Always lock all outside doors and windows when you go out, even if you are only going to be away for 10 minutes.

• Lock your external garage or garden shed with a quality key-operated lock or padlock.

• If you go out at night, leave some internal lights and a radio on.

• Trim trees and shrubs around windows.

• Do not leave keys hidden outside your house.

• If you are in the garden or watching TV, lock up parts of the house you can't keep an eye on.

• Lock away ladders, garden tools and bicycles.

• If you have a lot of jewellery, valuable documents, cash or other negotiable items, consider installing a safe or a burglar alarm.

• Never leave notes for people telling them you are out and when you will be back.

The most common entry points for a burglary are the garage, followed by the bedroom and kitchen.

Make sure:

• Garage doors and windows are closed when you are in another part of the house and secured and locked when you are out.

• Windows and sliding doors in bedrooms and the kitchen are closed and properly secured when you are away from home.

10 easy ways to prevent and survive a fire in your home

1.  Install smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms are inexpensive and are easy to install - ideally they'll be interconnected, so if one goes off, they all will. Follow the instructions when you install them; if they're in the wrong place you might as well not have them. Put one outside each bedroom at least; for maximum protection install alarms both inside and outside bedrooms - especially if people sleep with the door closed or use electric blankets - and in all living areas. If unsure, seek assistance from a qualified electrician.

2.  Test your smoke alarms once a month.
On most models you can use a broom handle to push the test button and make sure it beeps. If you have battery-operated alarms, change the batteries at least once a year - pick a day and stick to it, so you don't forget. 

3.  Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in the kitchen.
You can buy New Zealand Standard Approved equipment at hardware stores. Make sure you read the instructions and know how to use them. 

4.  Lock matches and lighters away out of sight.
Teach your kids to take any matches or lighters they find to an adult straight away. Even child-safe lighters aren't childproof. Never underestimate a child's ability to reach things you've put 'out of bounds'. 

5.  Don't dry clothes near heaters.
Make sure all your heating appliances are professionally installed. Put guards around open fires and heaters too if there are children about. Never leave an open fire burning or radiant heater switched on when you go to bed or leave the house. 

6.  Check lights and lampshades.
Recessed downlights need to be properly insulated from ceiling materials. Check the light fittings aren't getting too hot. Check for lampshades that are too close to the light bulb and for unstable lamps than can easily fall over. 

7.  Clean the lint filter on your clothes dryer.
Clean it every single time you use it. A build up of lint can catch fire.

8.  Make a fire escape plan today.
Sit down with the family and work out the quickest, safest way to get out of your home should a fire start. Draw a floor plan with arrows to mark at least two ways out (including windows) of every room. Decide on a place to meet outside, like the letterbox, so you'll know everyone got out safely. Practice your fire escape plan twice a year. 

9.  Practice 'Get down low and go go go.'
In a fire the air is best for breathing near the floor. Get down low and crawl to safety. Many children will be taught this at school, along with 'Stop, drop and roll.' If a person's clothes catch alight, stop them from running and roll them on the ground to put out the flames. A fire blanket or wool blanket will help. Practice both rules with your kids. 

10. Don't key-lock doors from the inside while you're at home
Be careful when you use deadlocks. They should not be key-locked from the inside while you're at home as this may stop you getting out of the house in an emergency - especially fire. Many people killed in house fires, particularly the elderly, are found close by a deadlocked door.

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