Keep Your Home Safe and Sound these School Holidays

Do you dread getting to the airport or the family bach and panicking that you forgot to lock the door or set the alarm at home?

Give yourself peace of mind with remote access to the security and home automation systems from Vivint these school holidays, so you can relax without the worry.

No matter where you are, Vivint can simplify your life with their home security systems that allow you to check your home is safe and sound via your smartphone - so you can rest easy on your break.

With wireless technology connecting window and door sensors, motion detectors and glass break detectors, the Vivint system will notify you immediately of any disturbance, and the team monitoring your system will call police straight away if needed.

And if forgetting to lock the door has ever played on your mind after leaving the house, it will be a thing of the past with the remote access function of the packages offered by Vivint which make it possible to lock and unlock the doors, and set or disarm alarms, all with the touch of a button on your smartphone.

Vivint is one of the largest providers of security and home automation systems in New Zealand, and customers appreciate how safe they make their families feel, says Vivint’s General Manager for New Zealand, Paul Haynie.

“Kiwis do worry about their home security, especially when they head away to the beach or visit extended family over the holidays, and have to leave the house empty,” says Haynie.
“It’s important to have peace of mind while you’re away so you can actually enjoy the break rather than constantly worrying about break-ins or burglary.”

Offering the ability to include video surveillance as part of the system means those who are wanting an extra level of knowledge can have it, or enable parents to keep a watchful eye on the teenagers after school.

“The great thing about these systems is that it’s not just about security, but it can also help you simplify your life with the ability to unlock the door for the plumber from your phone so you don’t have to leave work to let them in, or turn on the central heating so the house is warm and cosy by the time the family gets home from Saturday morning sports.”

Haynie says many New Zealanders have outdated alarm systems that either don’t currently work, or are unmonitored, meaning they don’t feel adequately protected.

“The peace of mind a security system like this brings to people is immeasurable because they know no matter how far away they are, they know what’s happening at home and can take care of those things most precious to them.”

Security systems start at just $49.99 (plus GST) per month. For more information, see
www.vivint.co.nz


Seven Security Tips to Keep Your Home Safe these Holidays

Vivint’s General Manager for New Zealand, Paul Haynie, recommends the following quick tips to help keep your home safe when you head away.

1. Invite neighbours to use your outdoor area

Let your trusted neighbours know that you’re heading away and invite them to park in your driveway, use your clothesline, or let the kids play on the lawn. This will make it look like someone is home to anyone passing by.

2. Put newspaper deliveries on hold

If you are going away for more than a couple of days, put a hold on your newspaper delivery and consider asking a neighbour to clear your letterbox for you. A letterbox full of letters and papers is a sure sign your home is unattended.

3. Consider a timer for your lights

Putting your lights on a timer is an easy way to make a home look like it’s occupied even if you are on the other side of the Tasman. A Vivint home automation system allows you to turn lights on and off remotely to make this very easy to do from wherever you are.

4. Take the spare key inside

Having a spare key outside your home is always a risk, but especially so when you aren’t there. Remove any spare keys from their hiding spots, and consider leaving one with a neighbour or friend in case they need to access your home while you are away.

5. Use an alarm with an outdoor siren

A loud burglar alarm siren will have neighbours coming out to investigate, which is likely to deter most people attempting to gain access to a house. Choose a system that has an outdoor siren that is likely to put off a potential burglar before they even enter your property.

6. Put valuable items out of sight

Leaving tempting valuables such as laptops or jewellery in plain view if someone comes to the door or peeks in a window is not a good idea. Make sure you hide things away, or lock them in a secure safe if you are really concerned.

7. Don’t advertise your holiday

In this age of social media it’s tempting to announce your holiday plans to everyone that will listen, but it’s best to keep details of your upcoming trip on the quiet in case a ‘friend of a friend’ sees it and takes advantage of your home being unoccupied.