The Twelve Days of Christmas...safety

With the summer holidays fast approaching and Christmas lights popping up around the neighbourhood, there are some important things to remember to keep this festive season as merry as possible. Here are twelve ways to help keep you, your whānau and your property safe.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…

Twelve BBQ dinners

Keep looking while you're cooking – a frying pan of oil, even on the BBQ, can ignite in under 60 seconds. Remember to keep your barbie away from buildings, hedges or anything flammable. Fire can spread quickly so have water, a hose or a fire extinguisher on hand; it’s always better to be prepared in the case of an emergency. When the cooking is done, make sure you turn off the gas or thoroughly douse the ashes.

Eleven wrapped presents

Gifts under the tree are tempting for thieves so make sure they, and other valuables, can’t be seen from the outside of your home. Be careful when disposing of any tell-tale packaging for high value items such as TVs, gaming consoles or gardening tools.

Ten dollar bills

Keep your wits about you when taking cash out of an ATM. Don’t count your money in the open and put it straight into your wallet or bag. When you’re out and about, it’s best to keep all valuables – cash, phones, wallets - out of sight in a zipped-up pack or bag.

Nine car park collisions

It can take a few trips to the mall to get all your Christmas shopping done. Accidents are common in car parks, so take care when driving – be courteous, take it slow, and look out for reversing drivers, runaway trolleys, and distracted children. If you ding someone else’s parked car but can’t find the owner, do the right thing and leave a note tucked under their windscreen wiper with your contact details.

Eight momentary lapses

Don’t leave your belongings unattended, even if it’s just for a matter of seconds while you go to put something in the rubbish bin or say hello to a friend in the park. Thieves are often opportunistic and may take advantage of your inattention.

Seven shopping bags

If you need to leave items in your car so you can purchase that last gift, or pick up your Christmas ham from the butcher’s, then keep your shopping in the boot where it can’t be seen. Don’t have it on display to tempt thieves.

Six security options

When you leave the house, don’t forget to protect your home while you’re away. If your house is equipped with alarms, security lights, and deadlocks, remember to use them. Put away items that could help burglars get into your home like wheelie bins and ladders, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your place, and avoid posting your location on social media.

Five smoke alarms

Depending on the size of your home, you may not need five smoke alarms. But, with the Christmas feast cooking in the oven and the festive lights working overtime, you will want to make sure your home is equipped with as many smoke and heat alarms as required. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends installing long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. Remember to test them regularly to ensure they operate effectively.

Four swims in the sea

We are all eager to spend some time at the beach this summer. Unless you have someone to watch over your belongings while you swim, it’s best not to leave your valuables unattended at the beach. Keep your jewellery and other valuables at home, and, if you do want to take them with you, leave them in the boot or out of sight in a locked car. To keep your car key safe, you can buy waterproof container to wear around your wrist or ankle like surfers often do.

Three trips in the car

Before heading out for a drive, give your vehicle a once over, check the tyres and make sure you don’t have anything to distract you while you’re at the wheel – your phone is on hands-free, the music is sorted, and you’ve packed some activities to keep the kids occupied. Your attention should be on the road, not on other things around you.

Two visits to rellies

You’re taking the kids for a picnic with grandma before heading to the beach. Before you set off, remove from the car all the things you won’t need, and remember to take your valuables, like your phone, bag and electronic gear with you when you park up. Sports gear and clothing is also popular with thieves so, if you don’t want to take them with you, put them in the boot, out of sight.

….and an up-to-date insurance po-li-cy!

Whether you were spoilt with presents, added new items to your house, holiday home, or caravan, or did some renovation work over the holidays, check you have the right level of insurance cover for your home and contents. An online calculator can help you work this out. Do the same if you’ve updated your car or made any modifications.