With so many incidents taking place during this festive season, we can’t help but advise our readers and fellow Malaysians how important it is to keep yourself and your family safe. We know everyone’s in the midst of heading back to their hometowns, but at times all the excitement and eustress can leave you a little forgetful and careless.
Here’s a simple guide to keeping your home safe while away, and some simple road safety precautions.
Before you leave
1. Always make sure all windows and doors are locked securely, especially the windows. The weather can be so unpredictable these days, and the last thing you want is to come home with rainwater everywhere.
2. Always let a neighbor (preferable someone you trust) know that you will not be around for a certain amount of time so they may keep watch of your house while you’re away. Give them a list of phone numbers so they can contact you in case of any emergencies. Never leave the keys into your house with your neighbors.
3. Inform the neighborhood security watch that you won’t be around.
4. Fix an electric timer in your house that switches a few lights on at a certain hour. This is to ensure your house is lit up, especially at night. This will give potential thieves the idea that someone is home.
5. If you’re leaving a pet behind while you’re away, remember to prepare sufficient amounts of food and water for your pet to consume.
6. If you’re leaving valuables like jewelry and gadgets at home, store them somewhere safe, preferably hidden in a safe. If you don’t have one of those, you can easily store it in a box and hide it under the little nook and crannies your have in your home.
On the road
1. Before you hit the road, always check that you have all your necessities like travel documents, mobile phones, GPS system in check. This is to avoid having to turn back, which will only lengthen your travel time.
2. Before you travel, be cautious of what you eat to avoid falling sick, especially on the road. The last thing you want is to throw up in the middle of the highway, or worse – a traffic jam!
3. One of the biggest stresses about traveling is getting stuck in traffic, and it sucks out all the fun and joy of the holidays. Before you travel, refer to the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) by PLUS and plan your journey so you’ll have a smooth drive back home.
4. Do everything you possibly can to stay alert, especially when you’re taking the wheel. Get sufficient sleep the night before and carry along a flask of coffee or anything to keep you awake. Some good energetic music can do the trick too. If you’re tired, get your partner to take the wheel while you take a nap.
5. Take a break and rest at a lay-by when you’re feeling tired. Do some light stretching and take a few deep breaths to help you recharge naturally.
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