Home Security Checklist
With summer just around the corner and the warmer weather setting in, you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors leaving doors and windows open to get fresh, cool breezes through your home. But leaving your home open may increase the risk of break-ins and create an easy way for intruders to gain entry into your home.
Exceed is here to help you with 10 top tips to improve your home security:
1 - Use key-operated locks on doors and windows – and don’t hide spare keys under doormats or in obvious places for burglars to find them easily
2 - Install security screens on all doors to keep your family safe
3 - Install window security stays to increase security, natural safe ventilation and prevent children falling from high windows
4 - Install hinge bolts to stop doors from being lifted out of their frames
5 - Upgrade beads and rubbers to hold any glass in place
6 - Install digital deadlocks so you no longer need to remember your keys when you leave your home and grant short term access to friends or Airbnb guests
7 - If you have an alarm system, make sure it is working properly
8 - Keep plants trimmed around doors and windows and install sensor lights or CCTV cameras
9 - Don’t leave valuable items like keys out in easy view for opportunistic thieves
10 - If you’re going away on holidays, make your home look occupied – leave the TV or radio playing, set lights to come on with a timer and ask a neighbour to collect your mail and take care of bins
Being aware of potential security risks and taking action early is the best way to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Click the link below to learn how Exceed we fix windows & doors specialists in your area can help you improve your home security!
Cost of living: How to get $110 off your electricity bill through Power Credits Scheme
Some Kiwis can expect their power bill to rise this month for the third year in a row as the low-user charge is phased out – but there's a payment available for people who are struggling.
It's the third year in a row that low-power users are facing increasing fixed costs as the low-power users scheme is phased out.
To help the industry set up the $5 million Power Credits Scheme which means eligible households can access credit during the transition.
The phase out which began in 2022 will see fixed costs for low users rise every april for five years.
The scheme means households who are supplied by Contact, Meridian, Mercury, Genesis, Nova, Wise, Globug, Powershop, Frank or Toast Electric can access a $110 payment if they’re in hardship. So far $1.4 million has been paid out.
The scheme is run by the Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand. Chief executive Bridget Abernethy told Consumer NZ households showing signs of energy hardship can get the payment. But Abernethy said each power company will have its own criteria for what energy hardship looks like.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said removing the "low Fixed Charge Tariff regulations is essential for creating a fairer playing field for all New Zealand households".
However, the MBIE website acknowledged the phase-out could be challenging for some households.
"While all households are expected to benefit in the long term from the regulations being removed, some households may face higher power bills," the website said.
The credit can help households adjust, it added.
The decision to remove the low user charge was made by the then Labour Government in 2021 who called it "poorly targeted".
Then Energy Minister Megan Woods said it would mean three in five households could benefit from lower power bills.
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Get painting with Resene plant-based paints!
Plant-based paints are made just like normal paint but everything in the tin comes from plants and minerals.
Plus they’re Eco Choice approved with low odour and easy water clean-up, so you can paint or stain your place with ease.
Available from Resene ColorShops.
Foundation Dog Agility Course
AKARANA DTC FOUNDATION AGILITY COURSES.
Are you looking to learn new skills within a dog sport? Agility training can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend while keeping both of you active and engaged.
We are taking registrations for the next 8 week Foundation Agility course starting 2 May 2024.
This is a great time to begin your journey in agility before our winter break.
Please contact: bookingsakaranadtc@gmail.com to enrol now, spaces are limited.
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