Home Security Advice
Everybody has the right to feel safe in their community, especially within their own home. Recently, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) launched a national home security campaign to spread awareness and discussion about common-sense home security practises among regular Australians.
It’s simple; go online to complete the Home Security Challenge – a short, easy and anonymous survey which asks about your general security measures.
“Nationally, household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia,” ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires said. “We want to reduce the number of household crimes by educating householders on simple steps they can take to avoid becoming another statistic.”
The Home Security Challenge is totally anonymous and doesn’t collect any personal data. Take the test at www.homesecuritychallenge.com.au and follow the links to get advice on how to improve your home’s security.
Follow these simple tips to keep your home secure:
- Lock up. It’s a basic tip, but often overlooked. Secure your garage, doors and windows.
- Don’t leave keys hidden outside the house; leave a set of keys with a trusted friend or family member.
- Don’t advertise when you’re away from home through social media; consider the photos you share, check your privacy settings and disable location services.
- Consider getting a security alarm installed and ensure it’s maintained in good working order.
- Do your external doors have a solid core construction? Is your door fitted with a deadbolt or deadlock? These are fundamentals in home security.
Phil’s Blinds & Awnings in Cowra have expanded into curtains that are made to measure using beautiful fabrics from Florence Broadhurst, Maurice Kain and more.
Transform your home choosing from modern casual to elegant and formal in a wide range of colours, designs and prints. Complete the transformation with stylish padded box pelmets or elegant valances. Matching, contrasting, accessorising – Phil’s Blinds & Awnings have the expertise you need. The possibilities are endless!
Do you want to know how to build a green home without spending a fortune? If you think building energy efficient homes requires spending big on expensive green materials and building methods, think again!
It is possible to build an energy-efficient home for the same price as a standard home while still saving up to 60 per cent on your energy bills every single year.
Green building company Green Homes Australia Lachlan Valley can help local homebuyers build houses that use less energy and maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the seasons.
Local owner and builder Jason Hopkins has seen positive feedback since starting the business at the beginning of 2014. “Green building principles, clever design and creative use of standard building materials are keys to making a home more efficient, as does working to suit the owner’s climate, block, lifestyle and budget,” Jason explains.
“With energy prices where they are these days, we’re seeing more people in Canowindra wanting to build affordable homes that will save them money, and we’re always ready to help.”
For more information on building a Green Home, contact Jason Hopkins on 0424 595 129.
Winter Energy Costs
1 in 5 NSW households are struggling to afford their energy bills, a recent survey has shown. The research suggested that 7 per cent of households are under extreme energy-bill strain and 74 per cent said their gas and electricity bills had increased significantly in recent years.
Is it time you reviewed your current energy contract to ensure you are on the most cost effective plan? Do you understand the charges listed on your bills?
While only a third of NSW households are reportedly able to pay their energy bills easily, 40 per cent of people surveyed admitted they don’t understand their energy bills or how usage costs and charges are calculated.
With just under half of NSW residents cutting back on groceries to leave enough money to cover energy costs, basic living expenses have become a struggle for many regular Australian families.
The most common ways NSW residents are saving money on energy are by wearing extra clothes, using extra blankets on the couch and bed, and restricting heat to only occupied rooms.