Condo Safety Tips for the Holidays

With the holidays just around the corner, do you have any travel plans with your loved ones? As a homeowner, being away from your house for a couple of days could be worrisome. Even if you live in a condo, a little more precaution wouldn’t hurt in keeping your home safe during the holidays.
Here are 10 tips that might be helpful to you this season.

1. Lock it up

This is a very basic, yet often ignored reminder. While condo living is generally safe, make it a habit to lock (and double lock) your doors and windows before going out for a vacation. Change worn out locks and invest in high-quality ones. This will keep your belongings safe.

2. Be careful what you post on social media

It is VERY TEMPTING to post your travel plans and itinerary on your different social media channels, but before doing so, consider who can and will read it. Yes, they are your friends, but admit it, there are people on your friends list with whom you are barely familiar with. Sometimes, people on your social media accounts could be less personal than your “real friends.”

3. If you have a cab driving you to the airport, be discreet

The driver knows where you live, and he also knows that you are out-of-town. As much as possible, choose your words carefully if the driver strikes a conversation.

4. Befriend your neighbors

A simple “hello” to your neighbors may be the start of a life-long friendship, so as early as you move in to your condo, befriend them. They are good deterrent to crimes and accidents. This holiday, ask them to watch over your unit while you are away.

5. Repair faulty wiring and appliances

You might be entertaining guests this Christmas, so before the celebrations start, ensure that you’ve replaced or fixed faulty electrical wirings and appliances to avoid electrical emergencies when they arrive. Also, avoid running cords under the carpet. They might step on it and cause a spark.

6. Have a list of emergency numbers

Print out a list of emergency numbers and pin it against the wall. Have your family members memorise the most important ones (or better yet, why not store it in their phones) just in case a threat arise, they know who to call.

7. Double check the smoke alarms

Check if you have smoke alarms installed in your unit, and if so, make sure that it’s working.

8. Let your administration know

Aside from your neighbor, also inform your administration and security personnel that you’ll be gone for a while so that they can look after your property when you’re away. This is also a security measure in case someone wants to “visit” you.

9. Turn off your fuse box or circuit breaker

To ensure that your house won’t catch fire, turn off your fuse box or circuit breaker before stepping out of the door. This lessens the burden of worrying whether you turned off the electricity or not. But of course, remove all plugs from the sockets before turning off the circuit breaker/fuse box.

10. Consider installing a home security device

There are now security cameras accessible through the Internet. So whether you’re enjoying Tokyo or spending quality time in Tagaytay, you can still check your condo any time.
Use these tips this holiday season and be thankful for your home and family’s safety while you’re away.