Getting ready for that long awaited holiday can be a last minute cram to get all the Christmas shopping done and everything ready for your next destination, which often means forgetting something. To help take the “Hassle” out of “Holiday”, we have devised a handy holiday check list to help you along the way. Print this list and tick off the relevant points to ensure that you reach your destination in one piece and arrive back to a home the way you left it.
To view the list as a PDF, Click here:
YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES:
□ Ensure that your BIB insurance policy is up to date with all your latest purchases.
□ Your life policies are all in order and a trusted person has access to this information in the event of any emergency.
□ If you are travelling overseas, check that you have the correct travel insurance policies in place.
□ Ensure you have our BIB Assist number (0861 227 537) saved in your phone in case of any roadside or home emergency. To refresh your memory on the benefits view our website (BIB Assist).
MOTOR
□ Tyre pressure & tread
□ Engine oil
□ Brakes
□ Battery
□ Engine coolant
By keeping the following items handy, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and expense:
□ Small fire extinguisher
□ Aerosol tyre inflator - contains gas and latex to seal tyre punctures
□ Jump leads
□ Tow rope
□ Spare ignition keys - preferably stored in a magnetic case somewhere on the outside of the car, e.g. behind a bumper or inside a hubcap
□ Warning triangle
□ Strong adhesive tape
□ Jack
□ Wheel spanner
□ Compact tool box
HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS & HOUSEOWNERS
□ Unplug all unnecessary electronic items such as your televisions, computers and entertainment systems.
□ Consider a house-sitter or leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour who can check on the house regularly.
□ Remove all spare and hidden keys in and outside your home.
□ Temporarily cancel subscriptions to newspaper and other deliveries. Notify a family member or friend to collect mail and other deliveries that cannot be cancelled.
□ Do not mention your holiday plans to any unnecessary parties.
□ Plan your packing and avoid doing so when visible to onlookers.
□ Notify your alarm company of planned testing and test alarms regularly to ensure it is operational. Regular testing will avoid suspicion.
□ Power outages may affect performance of alarm systems. Thus check with the security company for advice on alarm settings.
□ Set automatic lights throughout the house.
□ Cut grass before your holiday and decide whether garden services should be suspended or arranged especially if you will be absent for an extended period.
□ Set sprayer system or arrange for watering of pots and plants.
□ Ensure that there are no fire hazards and if you have smoke detectors get them checked.
□ Switch off your geyser, and don’t forget to switch it on upon your return!
□ Remove perishable foods from fridge and vegetable drawer.
□ Check and replace older light bulbs for outside lights.
□ Switch off phones to avoid excessive ringing.
□ Lock away all valuable items, jewellery, important documents and money in a secure safe.
□ Arrange care for your pets and also provide the caretaker with the necessary animal hospital details and ‘medical aid cards’ if you have pet insurance.
□ Close all ‘doggy doors’ and entrances that can admit small intruders.
□ Lock all opening windows.
□ Ensure that all entrances, service doors and gates have quality locks.
□ If you have a vehicle that is remaining at home during your holiday ensure that is moved into the garage or under a covered area to avoid any unforeseen events.
GENERAL
□ Suntan lotion - For obvious reasons with the harsh African sun.
□ Phone charger - Or even better one for your car. You don’t want to lose absolute connection with the world.
□ Torch - With the ad-hoc power outages (aka load shedding), you don’t want to be left in the dark.
□ Umbrella - Since you can’t predict when an African thunderstorm is going to hit, make sure you’re prepared.
□ Cash for souvenirs - Be that cool friend, it’ll score you major points.
□ Your trusty camera - To capture all the amazing memories and moments along the way.
□ ID/Passport/Drivers license - Proof that you are a proud South African!
□ Entertainment - Books, music, board games and more; it’s time to start chilling out your way.
□ Map/GPS - The sooner you get to your personal paradise, the better!
□ First aid - You don’t want to be caught off-guard when a small emergency happens while on holiday.
□ Emergency Numbers – 0861 227 537 for BIB Assist.
□ Contact number of a local taxi service at your holiday destination. Never drink & drive.
□ Your smile - So often overlooked but can make or break a vacation.
For a Office/Company Holiday Checklist, click here to view Hollards suggestions VIEW
Our offices are closed from midday 24th December and will re-open on the 5th of January however if you wish to make any amendments to your policy during this period you can contact our BIB Assist 24hr line and they will direct you for assistance, contact your consultant on their mobile phone for assistance or email bib@bib.co.za