Home security tips for the holidays

This is a guest post from Stylewise Security and Glass, specialising in providing Security and Glass services in all areas of south east Queensland since 1990.

Burglars are always on the prowl looking for an easy target to steal from, especially during the holidays when most people are away. There's no point in making things easy for them, so if you don't already have a security system installed by a reliable company like Stylewise Security, here are a few tips for ensuring your home is secure while you're away on that much-deserved holiday.

1. Don't divulge your plans to the people you’re not close to

You may think it's safe to call your Facebook friends, 'friends', but do you really know them that well? You never know whose prying eyes will see this information and take advantage, or a friend might innocently mention it in conversation to a third party. Yes, it's tempting to share stories of your fun- filled adventures, but leave that till after you've come back. Anyway, it gives you something to do to beat those post-holiday blues.

2. Make it look like there's someone at home

Set your lights on a timer to turn on and off at the times you normally would do this. It’s simple, but it does the trick! If you have a flair for the dramatic (and have a lot of time on your hands), think Home Alone, that movie where the kid rigs up a system of cardboard cut outs, string, music and flashing lights to keep those two goons from breaking in. Plenty of additional lighting outside is also a great deterrent. There are a lot of lighting options available, both electric and solar, so you’re spoilt for choice. No thief wants a spotlight on them while they commit a B and E.

3. Check, check, check

It seems so obvious, but do make sure doors and windows are locked. It's easy to miss when you're in a mad rush to get to catch a flight, so you need to check and double-check. Have all members of the household go through the house. One person may miss a window that’s not quite shut, another will not. If you have a way to secure your pet door, even better, so a pint-sized thief can't get in. Block your chimney too, if you have one. Who knows the lengths a thief will go to, to get inside a house!

4. Get a friend to house-sit or check in on your home regularly

You may have a friend or relative who would love the opportunity to have some quiet time to themselves. Alternatively, a neighbour could collect your mail and pick up those pesky publications that are left on your driveway or doorstep. A pile of those are a sure indication that no one's home.

5. Put your subscriptions on hold

If number 4 isn't an option because you've suddenly realised that there's no one you truly trust, you can always get your deliverer to put your subscriptions on hold.

6. Keep your garden maintained

If you're going away for a longer period of time, it may be wise to hire someone to keep your lawn up to scratch. A lawn that looks like a jungle is a giveaway that the home is empty.

With these simple tips, you know you can relax and breathe easy while you're on that vacation you so deserve. Keeping your home safe is just a matter of common sense, and never allowing yourself to become complacent!

4 Simple Food Storage Rules

This is a guest post from Trusted Pest Management, a modern, technically advanced pest control and termite treatment business that has been established since 2000

I want you to think about your weekly grocery shop; how much food do you end up throwing away at the end of the week? Studies show that out of every five bags of consumables at least one of them ends up in the bin with an average of over $1,000 worth of food being disposed yearly. When you think of that on a world scale, you’d need a considerable amount of landfill to cater to wasted fruit, vegetables, frozen meals, and drink bottles. By making your food last longer, you will help avoid wastage, spend less time in the dreaded supermarket, and slash your grocery budget. Not sure where to start? Follow these handy tips.

Storing in Your Fridge – the Right Way

It’s not what you put in it, it’s how you store. That’s the method you should live by when deciding what provisions should go in your fridge. Believe it or not, your fridge might say five degrees Celsius, but different compartments are running at various temperatures. So where is the best place to put all the food groups? The top shelf generally runs at the warmest temperature and is best reserved for pre-prepared foods including yoghurt, cheese and sauces. The middle shelf is more ideal for cooked meat and leftovers which should be packed in air-tight containers. If there is space on this shelf, store your milk here instead of the usual door rack to help it avoid the warm air when the door is being opened. Naturally, the crisper should hold your fruit and vegetables and the door racks are more suitable for condiments like jam, mayonnaise and juice as they are better at handling the warm air.

Control the Temperature

Your refrigerator temperature gauge isn’t always spot on when giving an accurate reading. Over time your inbuilt thermometer can go on a slight fritz and give you a reading a few degrees higher than what it actually is. If you’re finding that you’re food just isn’t lasting, it can pay to get the thermometer looked at or simple buy one from your local hardware store. A little money on something as simple as a thermometer can save you a lot of money and wastage in the long run.

Use Separate Storage for Those with Allergies

If you have someone in your household who suffers from allergies or celiac disease, it’s imperative that you store food separately and use different sets of utensils for serving and cooking – unless you are following the same diet. This is really important for avoiding cross-contamination and being forced into throwing the contaminated food in the bin.

Never Leave Food To Defrost at Room Temperature

It’s tempting to want to leave a whole chicken out all day to allow it to defrost quickly, however leaving it at room temperature makes it prone to bacteria, rodents, and bugs. Unless you already plan on calling on Trusted Pest Management for your bug problem, thaw your meat out in the fridge.
It may take longer to defrost, but at least it’s safer.

Do you have any food storage tips? Leave them in the comments below.