Every homeowner needs to understand the basic principles of home security. But with such a vast amount of information, it is necessary to find way that suit your needs. The information from this article can help you establish the things you need to do and help you implement a home security plan.
Spare Key
Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!
Never open the door for a stranger. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.
Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. There are some who believe country folk are more at risk because neighbors are not nearby. That said, stranger things have happened.
When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. The safety of your family will be ensured.
Before you let security company representatives into your home, check their ID. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. Proceed with caution.
If you’re hiring a company for home security, be sure to read any fine print before you sign that contract. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.
Keep safety at the forefront as you landscape. All of your windows and doors should be unobstructed by plants, shrubs, trees or fences. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. This will give your home additional safety.
Inquire with your home security service as to how long they’ve been in business. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. Knowing that you are dealing with a shady company can keep you calm when making this crucial decision.
If you plan to go away and have asked someone to get the mail, see if they will also remove fliers that may have been left at the door. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. Intruders can get a good idea of what your schedule is like or figure out that you are on vacation if the flyer stays on your door for a long time.
A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. Dogs will bark at the sign of trouble or intruders. A big, vicious guard dog isn’t necessary. Small dogs also have the ability to scare away burglars who definitely don’t want lots of ruckus when they appear.
If you have roommates or kids who you do not want in certain areas of the house, you do not have to lock the doors and carry around a ton of keys. Each entrance can be fitted with a keyless lock that requires a code to enter. They are fairly simple to install, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing so yourself, you can ask your home security company about it.
Avoid storing car registration in your glove compartment. This will prevent anyone from knowing where you reside. Hide them somewhere else in the car, or carry them with you. They must still be easily accessible should you be stopped by police.
Birth Date
Avoid making the password your birth date for numeric locks. Your birth date is pretty easy to come by, especially for seasoned thieves. Rather, try and make your combination the answer to an equation so that you only need to remember an equation instead of an actual series of numbers.
Make sure your valuables, or things that can’t be replaced, are safe. Photos, passports, important documents and heirlooms should be kept where they can’t be stolen or damaged. Keeping such valuables under lock and key (in a floor safe, for example) is a good way to provide the extra protection they need. An even better idea is to store them in a safe deposit box outside the home.
All homeowners ought to spend substantial effort learning all they can about home security. It will take good sense to sift out the helpful information from that not useful to you. So, you will find it to be worth your while to keep looking back at these tips if that is what it takes to secure your home.