Arming yourself with home security knowledge is something everyone should do. You need not read copious amounts of material, however! This article will alert you to the top things to keep in mind when it comes to home safety.
Change all of your locks when you move in. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.
When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.
Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.
Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.
Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.
Be brave! Engage your neighbors in conversation. Watch their homes for suspicious activity and get their word that they will do the same thing for you. Also consider listening in on some of the neighborhood gossip. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.
Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.
You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. If you simply are not comfortable with a company’s technician, request for another technician or simply hire another company. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.
Walls can be a great hiding spot. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. You can also just put in a false plate to cover a hiding place.
Spare Key
Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. While you may need to prepare if you have a spare key, it is wise to choose ways that do not increase the risk of a criminal gaining entrance to your home. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.
Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. This will make your family safer.
If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.
Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Keep in mind that other families might have lived with them, too.
Everyone needs to learn how to keep their home secure. However, pulling out the most helpful pieces of information from the irrelevant can be a challenge. Thus, it is wise to review the above information anytime you need advice about how to protect your home.
