Planning a weekend away or a longer holiday is always exciting, whether you’re heading to a peaceful lakeside retreat like OppiDam or embarking on a coastal adventure. But amidst the packing, planning, and anticipation, it’s easy to overlook one very important detail: the safety of your home while you’re away.
Unfortunately, unoccupied homes are often easy targets for opportunistic criminals, and unexpected household mishaps (like burst pipes or electrical faults) can turn your well-deserved break into a disaster. The good news? With a few simple preventative measures, you can safeguard your home and leave with true peace of mind.
Here are practical, easy-to-follow home safety tips to ensure everything remains just as you left it, so your only concern will be remembering sunscreen or bait for the dam!
It sounds obvious, but many people forget to check “all” access points. Don’t just lock the front door and call it a day. You have to double-check windows, sliding doors, back entrances, garage doors, and even the inside door leading from the garage into the house. If you have a garden shed or outside storeroom, secure those too.
Use deadbolts or extra security gates where possible. Sliding doors should be secured to prevent forced entry.
We all love sharing holiday photographs, but be mindful of when and where you post them. Broadcasting that you’re away, even to your friends on social media followers, can make your home a target.
If you must share, consider waiting until you’re back. Alternatively, adjust your privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your updates.
Another tip is to not change your voicemail to say you’re away. Rather leave a generic message or redirect calls to your mobile.
Vygeboom Dam is conveniently situated close to Badplaas in a grassland and wetlands area. The dam is 22,11 km long and is fed by the Komati River that starts in the mountains close to Machadodorp. There is a number of places that offer accommodation in the area but if you want to go camping, your only option is OppiDam. OppiDam has 23 waterfront campsites available with electricity and braai facilities. In addition, it has 6 caravans available for hire. Each caravan is fully equipped for self-catering and one caravan sleeps 3 people while the other 5 caravans sleep 4 people.
Oppidam also offers 6 tents that can each sleep 3 persons each. The tented camp has its own ablution facilities, kitchen and boma. On the premises is a small shop that is stocked with items that will be needed on a daily basis, or you can drive into Badplaas. It also has a Restaurant and bar with specials offered on Wednesdays.
The more your home looks like someone is there, the lower the risk of a break-in. Use timers on indoor lights to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. If you have smart plugs or a home automation system, schedule lighting, radios, or even a TV to come on periodically.
Before leaving, unplug unnecessary appliances such as toasters, kettles, computers, and TVs. This reduces the risk of electrical faults or power surges. Also switch off your geyser, no need to waste electricity while you’re not using it.
With the present state of load shedding this will also safeguard your electrical appliances. If you live in an area prone to load-shedding or power surges, consider investing in surge protectors for valuable electronics.
A burst pipe or leaky tap can cause significant damage if left unattended. Consider turning off your home’s main water supply, especially for longer absences. At the very least, check for any existing leaks and make sure all taps are fully closed.
Leave your washing machine and dishwasher doors open, this helps prevent musty smells and mould build-up during your time away.
Garden tools, ladders, and braais can be used to break into your home, or may even tempt thieves on their own. Lock them away in a secure shed or garage. Also consider trimming any overgrown bushes near windows, as these can provide cover for criminals.
Motion-sensor lights in the garden or driveway are a simple but effective way to deter intruders at night.
Make sure your alarm system is armed and working correctly. If you’re subscribed to an armed response company, notify them of your travel dates so they can keep an extra eye out. If you have security cameras, ensure they’re recording and that footage is accessible remotely if needed.
You can also consider installing a doorbell camera if you don’t already have one, many affordable models now offer two-way talk and remote alerts to your phone.
If you’re leaving pets behind in someone else’s care, make sure your pet sitter understands your home’s security system and any necessary codes. Never leave a pet alone for extended periods without proper care, and always leave contact numbers in case of an emergency. If your pets stay elsewhere while you’re away, secure their usual entry points (like doggy doors or windows they’re used to).
Before locking up and heading off, do one final walkthrough, room by room, inside and out. Look for:
• Unlocked windows or forgotten doors
• Appliances left on
• Valuable items left in plain sight
• Outdoor lights or timers not functioning
This final step gives you peace of mind and ensures nothing is missed in the rush to get on the road.
Heading off to a beautiful place like OppiDam should be all about relaxation, adventure, and reconnecting with nature, not worrying about what’s happening back at home. By taking a few smart precautions, you can truly switch off and enjoy every moment of your break.
Remember, security and peace of mind begin before you even lock the door. Safe travels and happy adventuring!
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