{"id":248,"date":"2020-02-28T07:06:57","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T07:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demoapus2.com\/homeo\/?p=248"},"modified":"2022-11-03T07:33:41","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T07:33:41","slug":"why-we-should-all-support-clear-cooperation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/why-we-should-all-support-clear-cooperation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your home safe while you\u2019re on holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"248\" class=\"elementor elementor-248\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-31dd6906 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"31dd6906\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-76e9c778\" data-id=\"76e9c778\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14fb556e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"14fb556e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h2 class=\"uline\">1. Make your house look occupied<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bc-white\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-8 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<p>An empty home can be an open invitation to burglars. The secret is not to draw their attention in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019ll be looking for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>post piling up<\/li>\n<li>deliveries sitting on the doorstep<\/li>\n<li>an empty drive with no car outside<\/li>\n<li>no lights on at night or lights that are obviously running on a timer<\/li>\n<li>overgrown plants or a lawn that needs mowing<\/li>\n<li>rubbish bins that haven\u2019t been emptied or returned to their normal position after a collection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To minimise the risks of a break in, give a trusted neighbour or friend a key and ask them to pop in from time to time. They can open and close the curtains, turn lights on and off, collect your mail and manage your bins \u2013 and if they can park their car in your drive too, even better.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also helpful for someone to have a key in case of a leak or other emergency.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure you cancel any regular deliveries, such as your daily newspaper or milk \u2013 and don\u2019t order anything online that may arrive while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n<p>If there\u2019s no helpful neighbour to hand, Royal Mail offers a keepsafe service that will hold you mail for up to 100 days and deliver it to you once you\u2019re home.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re going away for a fortnight, the service will look after your post for 17 days for \u00a318.50.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/external-content.duckduckgo.com\/iu\/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbolt-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fb4caf3294eaa8553123783df4f7b531c%2Fbefore-outdoor-lighting.png&amp;f=1&amp;nofb=1\" alt=\"Architectural Lighting Brings White Ranch Back to Life at Night ...\" width=\"474\" height=\"273\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/external-content.duckduckgo.com\/iu\/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbolt-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fb4caf3294eaa8553123783df4f7b531c%2Fbefore-outdoor-lighting.png&amp;f=1&amp;nofb=1\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-grey-ltst\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn-dk\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-ctr btn-al-lt\">\n<div class=\"img img--rc\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-ctr btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">2. Lock up<\/h2>\n<p>It may sound like a no-brainer, but you\u2019d be amazed how many people leave a window open or door unlocked when they go away. It\u2019s a mistake that could invaldate your insurance, as some policies will only cover burglary claims if there are signs of forced or violent entry.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave \u2013 with locks approved by your insurer.<\/li>\n<li>Secure any garages, outbuildings and sheds.<\/li>\n<li>Keep tools locked away so they can\u2019t be used to break into your home. If you\u2019ve no option but to leave a ladder outside, ensure it\u2019s secured in a fixed location with a padlock and chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-white\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">3. Hide your valuables<\/h2>\n<p>Keep your valuables, including computers and laptops, out of sight or lock them away if possible.<\/p>\n<p>Having a fitted safe can be a good investment. Just make sure it\u2019s fixed securely in place, as smaller models are an obvious target for thieves and easy to steal.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/external-content.duckduckgo.com\/iu\/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.mzbuIDh6RlAXcy4LRhb36wHaFp%26pid%3DApi&amp;f=1\" alt=\"Burglar-proofing your door and doorframe | Networx\" width=\"374\" height=\"285\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/external-content.duckduckgo.com\/iu\/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.mzbuIDh6RlAXcy4LRhb36wHaFp%26pid%3DApi&amp;f=1\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-grey-ltst\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn-dk\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">4. Get an alarm system<\/h2>\n<p>There are different types of burglar alarms available, making it easier to find one that suits your budget and the level of security you\u2019re after.<\/p>\n<p>Weigh the cost of the system against the value of your possessions and look for models accredited by either the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security System and Alarms Inspectorate Board (SSAIB).<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-white\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">5. Secure your doors<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not a quick pre-holiday fix, but upgrading your external doors can play a big part in securing your home. According to the Office for National Statistics, 70% of intruders who gain access to a private residence do so through the door.<\/p>\n<p>The strongest doors are made of solid wood, or for a longer-lasting alternative, try a composite door that is made up of several different materials. It\u2019s likely to be thicker than others on the market and could come with the latest locking mechanisms \u2013 just make sure it meets PAS 24 British Security Standards and has a Secured by Design accreditation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-ctr btn-al-lt\">\n<div class=\"img img--rc\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<p>If the composite option is too pricey, a uPVC version is a cheaper alternative and new models are likely to come with an anti-snap lock, as well as a multi-point locking system, to help keep intruders out.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also a good idea to avoid glass panels or opt for reinforced glass, which will be harder to break. You can fit a letterbox guard too, which stops people looking inside or reaching in to steal keys from a nearby hook or shelf..<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-grey-ltst\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn-dk\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">6. Don\u2019t advertise your absence<\/h2>\n<p>Be careful what you post on social media. If you mention on your Facebook account that you\u2019re jetting off, it could give potential thieves the green light to pop round. Leave posting photos and videos until your return. \u00a0Turning off the geotagging feature on your phone, which exposes your exact location where the picture was taken.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, talking about your forthcoming holiday in a local shop or public space \u2013 where you could easily be followed home \u2013 is best avoided.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"entered exited\" src=\"data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 0 0'><\/svg>&#8221; data-lazy-src=&#8221;https:\/\/unisa.edu.au\/contentassets\/696667014939445b9a66e75f4abafb3a\/girl_selfie_webjpg.jpg&#8221; \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-white\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">7. Get the support of your community<\/h2>\n<p>For extra peace of mind, join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, if there\u2019s one in your area. If there isn\u2019t, you could set one up. It doesn\u2019t have to involve a lot of people \u2013 it could just cover your street.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-grey-ltst\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn-dk\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">8. Turn the water off<\/h2>\n<p>Keeping your home safe doesn\u2019t just mean securing it against theft. Water damage can be just as costly \u2013 and even a small leak, left for a week or two, can have costly implications if it turns into a flood.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re away for a while, turn off your water at your inside stop valve. You\u2019ll find a helpful guide on the\u00a0<a title=\"Thames Water website\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thameswater.co.uk\/help\/emergencies\/how-to-turn-your-water-on-and-off\/how-to-find-and-use-your-inside-stop-valve\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Thames Water website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Before you go away, check your\u00a0buildings insurance\u00a0to make sure you\u2019re covered for\u00a0burst pipes and water leaks. Most policies include it as standard, but always read the small print.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-white\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-ctr btn-al-lt\">\n<div class=\"img img--rc\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-6 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">9. Unplug electricals<\/h2>\n<p>Leaving gadgets charging or on stand-by uses electricity, so turning them off will\u00a0save you money on your energy bill\u00a0while you\u2019re on holiday.<\/p>\n<p>However, to reduce the risk of fire, go a step further and unplug everything you can at the wall \u2013 with the exception of the fridge\/freezer, unless empty.<\/p>\n<p>Before you go away, make sure your\u00a0home insurance covers fire damage\u00a0\u2013 and remember, most policies won\u2019t cover your property if it\u2019s left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bc-grey-ltst\">\n<div class=\"cntnr c-blue lnk-grn-dk\">\n<div class=\"row p-t-md row--gt-sm\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 vr-al-top btn-al-lt\">\n<h2 class=\"uline\">10. Going on an extended trip?<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re intending on staying away for longer than 30 days, you\u2019ll need to tell your insurance provider, or your policy may be invalid.<\/p>\n<p>For long trips, consider unoccupied property\u00a0insurance, which could cover your home for longer periods against fire, flood and storm damage, vandalism and theft or attempted theft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A couple more tips are to cut your grass before you leave and have a neighbor or friend park their car in your driveway. Remember, the goal is to make it look like someone is home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An empty home can be an open invitation to burglars. The secret is not to draw their attention in the first place.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[19],"tags":[23,25],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4624,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248\/revisions\/4624"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onlineest.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}