It is up to you as a homeowner to make sure you keep your home safe. While you might think that getting an alarm is all you need, think again. There are many things you can do to make your house secure. Continue to read to learn what other options you have to boost your home’s security.
The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. All references should be checked. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.
You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.
Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. Only open the door for people you are expecting.
Police Department
Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. They often offer home inspections, seminars and even the ability to purchase items. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.
Your home security system ought to be checked each year. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. If the problem isn’t visible, you may be unaware of it.
You should not be shy. It is important to communicate with others who also live in your area. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. Never neglect gossip. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.
After making major (i.e. expensive) purchases, don’t dump the packaging out front if your next scheduled garbage pick-up is several days away. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.
Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. Having a well-charged flashlight on hand is very beneficial in case of emergency. Your kids should know how to work the flashlights so that everyone can help.
After moving into a pre-owned apartment or home, change the locks. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. You can purchase the locks and install them yourself to ensure you’re the only person that has a key.
If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. Posing as a security professional is an excellent way for an experienced thief to get inside your house and plan a less-friendly return visit. This means peril for what you own as well as your loved ones. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.
The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Criminals like to blend into the shadows, so do your best not to provide too many for them. Motion sensor lights can work great because they can also alert you when someone does come onto the property. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.
Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? The police will find it difficult to locate your home quickly if your address numbers are difficult to see. This is a project any homeowner can tackle.
Dogs are among the most effective home burglary systems. They are protective of their home and owner and will alert you if someone is on your property. That is not to say that a big, scary dog is required. As long as he is noisy when strangers approach, he’s a great addition to the security of your home.
If there are areas of your home you want to keep locked off, you do not need keys. Code or fingerprint enabled keyless entry locks are a great solution. 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.
Spring Latch Locks
Don’t get spring latch locks. These are the easiest for criminals to open with a credit card. A thief only needs to skip the credit card in between the lock to make it open. IF spring latch locks are already in place, add a deadbolt for that extra layer of security.
Having read the information presented here, you are ready to make your home safe and secure. You must realize that these precautions are necessary in order to protect your family. The tips you’ve just read can help make this a reality.
