Your Happy Holidays Guide to Secure Home and Travel

The festive season is here, a time for adventure, relaxation, and making unforgettable memories. Whether you are planning a quick escape to the mountains or a coastal road trip, smart travel planning is the key to enjoying every moment with minimal stress.

Keep your home and belongings secure before travelling

Before you head out for some well-deserved time away, make sure your home is secure and ready for your absence. 

A few simple precautions now can help you avoid unwelcome surprises later:

• Lock It Up Properly: Double-check all doors, windows, and gates. Secure rooms with valuables or sensitive documents for an extra layer of protection. Don’t forget the garage and any side entrances.
• Smart Home Tech: Install smart plugs, cameras, or motion sensors to monitor activity remotely.
• Trusted Eyes: If possible, ask a friend or family member to pop in or house-sit while you’re away.
• Power Down: Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent power surges and reduce fire risk.
• Outdoor Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights outside to deter intruders at night.
• Garden Security: Lock away garden tools and ladders that could be used to access your home.
• Secure Wi-Fi: Keep your router passwords updated to prevent hacking while you’re away.
• Garage Safety: Disconnect automatic garage door openers or add a manual lock for extra security.
• Maintenance Matters: Check your roof and plumbing before you leave. If possible, notify your electric fence provider, alarm company or security company that you will be away, and leave them a reliable contact number. Also ensure that your alarm system is functioning correctly and is compatible with the ongoing mobile network transition. For more detail on preparing your tracking and alarm systems for the 4G/5G future, read our previous article here.

Taking these few steps means you can enjoy your time away knowing your home and belongings are safe. 

Ready your vehicle for the road 

Before you head off to enjoy the festive season, make sure your car is fully prepared for the journey. A few simple checks now can save you a lot of stress on the road:

• Engine Check: Ensure fluid levels like the oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid are topped up, and engine health is good.
• Check Your Spare Tyre & Tools: Make sure your spare tyre is inflated and you have the right tools for a quick change.
• Pack an Emergency Kit: Include a flashlight, jumper cables, reflective triangles, bottled water, and a basic first-aid kit.
• Don’t Overload Your Vehicle: Excess weight affects braking and stability, pack smart and distribute weight evenly.
• Adjust for Weather Conditions: Rain or fog? Slow down, increase following distance, and use headlights correctly. Test your brakes and lights.
• Avoid Driving Distracted: Set your GPS and playlist before you start driving, don’t text or eat behind the wheel.
• Check Your Wipers & Fluid Levels: Good visibility is crucial, especially during summer storms.
• Keep a Safe Following Distance: Tailgating is dangerous, give yourself enough time to react.
• Plan Fuel Stops: Plan your route in advance for your fuel and rest stops. Don’t wait until the tank is nearly empty, especially on long rural routes.
• Stay alert: Buckle up. Obey traffic rules and speed limits at all times. 

Roadside Assistance When You Need It Most

Even the best-prepared drivers can face unexpected challenges. If you’re stuck with a flat tyre, flat battery, or any other emergency at the side of the road, Santam’s 24/7 Emergency Service is just a call away.

Services include:

·   Towing assistance in the event of a mechanical or electrical breakdown

·     A jump-start service for cars not under warranty 

·     Help when your keys are locked inside your vehicle

·     Changing tyres at roadside and non-roadside locations

·     Supplying 10 litres of fuel when you’ve run out for up to 6 times a year

Route Assistance: Find Your Way, Anytime

Getting lost can turn a fun trip into a stressful one, but it doesn’t have to. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar route, Santam’s 24/7 Route Assistance is here to guide you back on track through our helpline available on 0860 505 911.

Services include:

·     Directions if you’re lost or need the best route, available 24/7

·     Detailed map information for major metropolitan areas

·     Basic route guidance for rural locations

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

As you set off to make unforgettable memories, let us take care of the details that matter most. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or enjoying time at home, Santam is here to give you the cover, security, and support you need for complete peace of mind. 

Travel smart, stay safe, and count on us to keep you and your loved ones protected this season. We wish you joyful adventures and happy holidays from all of us at Santam!

Related articles

Stay Safe On The Roads This Holiday Season

.