You may know someone personally that has had their home broken into. Paying a little extra attention to home security is never a bad idea. A burglary can happen in any neighborhood. This article goes into detail about how you can prevent invasions.
Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.
Never open the door for a stranger. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
Contact the local police department to find out more about the protection programs they offer. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Call and see what is available.
Make sure to have your home inspection system maintained on at least an annual basis. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.
Be bold. Engage your neighbors in conversation. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. You never want to ignore gossip. You can learn of important security information, including if strangers have been lurking.
Rural areas are just as prone to break-ins as cities. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don’t have nearby neighbors. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.
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 familiar with these hiding spots. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.
Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.
Rotted Wood
Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. Anyone hoping to enter your home can very easily do so by just prying away the rotted wood. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.
Ask for ID before letting anyone into your home. It is simple for a thief to pose as a representative of your home security company as a means of gaining access to your house. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Caution is always advisable if dangers like this are to be avoided.
Before you let anyone go into your home, look at their references thoroughly. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.
If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.
Security Systems
Think about what you need to feel safe before considering security systems. Although they can be very helpful, security systems aren’t always necessary. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Learn about all of your options before choosing anything.
Don’t fool yourself into believing that only expensive homes are broken into. Any home that looks easy to break in is a target. If you follow the tips in this article and ramp up the security of your house, you can protect your home and family better from unwanted intruders.
