Are you considering getting a security system installed in your home? A lot of people buy one and don’t take the time to think if they actually need one. Always locking your windows and doors, along with a few other simple steps may be just what you need.
Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Purchase timers for electronics, lights, radios and TVs so that they will turn on and off at varied intervals. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.
After you buy your new house, get new locks. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. Also, if you ever lose your keys, do the same.
Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.
If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. Avoid cliched hiding places like over the door frame or beneath the doormat. Experienced criminals will check these places immediately. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.
Attached Garage
If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.
Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.
Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.
Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. If you simply are not comfortable with a company’s technician, request for another technician or simply hire another company. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.
Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Make sure your skylights have reliable, heavy duty hardware in place.
Walls are great for hiding items. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. Even if every single plate in your home is being used, you can purchase a fake one purpose-built for concealing valuables.
Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Often homeowners are unaware of this fact until they find that their wiring has been stolen. A skilled intruder could remove all the copper from your home within less than an hour. Therefore, ensure you hide your wires so that burglars cannot see them, or make the wires extremely hard for the burglars to get to.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. Teach everyone in your home to use the flashlights so all family members can see and help each other.
If you see that the door is open, do not enter the house. The burglar may be on the premises. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.
A good security system will make your home a lot safer. However, you may find that you only need to make a few minor changes. Do more research to find the ideal home security system.
