By Herman Liebenberg – General Manager: Insure City Insurance Brokers
After a very long and busy year, it’s time to take that long-deserved break this festive season and spend quality time with family and loved ones. As the focus shifts to being merry, relaxing, and rejuvenating for the demanding year to come, here are a few tips to help ensure your property is safe and secure while you’re away, whether exploring the countryside or embarking on that long-planned overseas trip.
Check list:
- Make sure all your taps are closed.
- Turn off gas bottles at the source, not just at the stove or other appliances (except for fridges or freezers running on gas).
- Clear out any food that could spoil in your absence—no one wants unpleasant surprises upon returning.
- Make sure all electrical outlets not being used are switched off at the wall socket.
- Close all windows securely. If you have a roaming cat, leave a favourite window open just enough and make sure it’s safely secured.
- Ensure you have power surge protector plugs on your freezer and/or fridge.
- Ask someone you trust to check in every other day, even if just to show movement at the property.
- Close all doors in the house (bedroom, bathroom and the likes).
- Don’t leave a spare key to your safe or house anywhere in the house.
- Keep your mailbox clear by arranging for someone to collect your mail to avoid making it obvious that no one is home.
- If you have a lapa, hose it down well and good before you go. These should have some form of fire-retardant treatment but soaking the lapa can’t hurt.
Leave your contact details and your emergency contact details with a neighbour you are familiar with and trust. It’s also a good idea to provide them with a remote or gate key for your property in case emergency services need access, for example, in the event of a fire.
Enjoy the festive season, travel safely and make many fond memories. You can rest assured knowing your property is insured and covered while doing so.
From all of us at Insure City, we wish you all an amazing festive season and a happy new year!
