Establishing a safe living environment might seem like a huge task to the average homeowner. It does not have to be difficult or expensive. Reviewing the security advice provided here can go a long way towards making you a safer, more security-conscious homeowner.
You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. It is best to do a reference check on them. If this professional is from a company, it’s best to check with the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of reputation they have.
When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Be sure and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies prior to choosing one.
Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.
Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.
Always have your security system checked each year. Get a professional in to check it out. There are quite a few things that can negatively impact the effectiveness of home security equipment. For example, adverse weather conditions or pests such as raccoons can cause problems. If you cannot see a problem, you might not know one exists.
It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.
Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.
Skylights need to be secure, too. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.
Replace all locks in a new house. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.
Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.
You should have several flashlights and batteries in all your rooms. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.
Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.
Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.
Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.
You want to know what is included in a contract if you’re signing up with a security company. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. You’ll definitely want to avoid these types of fees if you can, so read carefully.
Safety should be kept in mind when you are planning your landscape. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. If they can be seen, people will not hide there and attempt a break-in. Plan these features for further away from your home.
Consider a wireless home security system. A wired system is probably less expensive, but wires are a hassle. Also, you will have a very easy time installing them.
Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Put a light anywhere where an intruder can enter your home. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.
You need a home security system. You can have great home security with both hidden and visible video cameras. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. Many surveillance systems can even be accessed via cell phone, allowing you to check up on your home when you are away.
If you get home and your door is open, do not enter ti investigate. Your home and the area surrounding it may still be in danger. You should call the cops and then wait for them before you do anything else.
Can you see the number of your house from the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. This is easy and inexpensive to fix if you believe there could be a problem.
If you plan to be away and you have another person collecting your mail, have them double check your front door for fliers. Thieves have put them up in order to see if people are home to take them down. If their fliers are not moved, the crook knows the home is unattended.
Be sure not to use your birthday as the password on your door lock’s numeric key pad. It is easy for anybody to learn your birthday, which makes it easy for them to access the house. Think instead of a more creative way to keep track of your code.
Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. You can make a huge difference in your home’s security by putting in cameras whether they’re concealed or out in the open. Intruders can be deterred to visible cameras, but hidden cameras are better if criminals damage the other cameras. It is possible to use your cell phone to look at your surveillance camera, meaning you can see your house when you’re gone.
Take extra measures to keep valuables that cannot be replaced secure. Some examples include legal documents, expensive jewelry, financial records, passports and family pictures. A floor safe can keep these items safe. You can also rent out a safety deposit box.
Anytime you make a new electronics purchase, keep the boxes off the curb until the very last minute. If a burglar sees your empty box, he or she will know that valuable item is inside your house. That’s good motivation for a break-in. Break up the boxes into smaller pieces before you put them near the curb.
Ask your security company if they offer motion sensitive lighting. Many companies do offer this and it makes lights outside the home turn on just as soon as a person approaches them. This will make an intruder hesitant to break in, and it will provide you with additional safety whenever you arrive home late at night.
Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? If there’s an emergency, it will take longer for the police to locate your home if the numbers are concealed in any way or too small. Luckily, you can fix this quickly and cheaply if you see there’s a problem.
It’s good to have interior locks, but they really aren’t effective without exterior locks. The best lock is a deadbolt and those that have keys for the inside and outside can prevent burglars from opening them.
If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. Get key-less locks that need a code. Many home security companies will install these, and there are also do it yourself kits available.
If you have a large dog, it can really deter intruders. Burglars are unlikely to desire an encounter with such an animal. Get a dog that is friendly and good with your kids, while also being a good protector.
Security System
If your kids are not outside, don’t leave toys in your yard. A thief may assume that women and children reside inside. Women tend to have more valuable jewelry than their male counterparts, and thieves know this.
If you want to minimize the maintenance required by your security system, go with one that’s hard-wired. Wireless systems are convenient, but they require multiple sets of batteries that have to be changed out on a regular basis. Neglecting this maintenance can cause faults in your security system and leave you improperly protected. Also, frequent battery replacements can be costly.
Search for a company that offers you more than a simple security system. A good company will be sure to visit the house and give recommendations about what you can do to further keep your family out of harm’s way. For instance, you may need a stronger exterior door. Find a company with an excellent reputation and quality customer service so you can get a solution adapted to your needs.
If your lights are generally turned off at roughly the same time, consider using a timer. This helps the lights stay on and continue to switch even when you’re away from your home.
Make sure your air conditioners are secured. An air conditioner that’s not fastened tightly can be removed easily, giving intruders easy access to your home. In fact, completely remove your window AC unit during the winter.
You can secure your home better now that you’ve got smart security tips. Changes need to be made immediately to upgrade your level of safety. These changes will allow you to sleep well at night. You will soon be relaxed.
Many times folks have knocked on doors seeking assistance, only to kick in the door aggressively when the homeowner answers. If a stranger asks for help, keep the door closed and tell them you’ll request help. If you don’t know what you should do, call the cops.
Blue widgets is a complex topic, which is why you should take the time to research it some more. This article, luckily, is exactly what you need for that. Now is the time to take the knowledge you have gained and apply it to your life!
About Author
