If you’ve got jewelry, original art or a lot of cash, someone else likely knows about it. Protect yourself and your valuables by educating yourself on home security. The following tips can help put you in the safest position possible.
It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You simply do not know how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.
Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Do a background check on them. If this professional is from a company, it’s best to check with the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of reputation they have.
A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.
Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.
Police Department
Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.
It will not benefit you to be shy. Converse with those living in your area. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You might find out valuable information related to security, like if there have been any strangers hanging around.
Have lights that sense motion. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.
Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. There’s plenty of places in a house with pre-cut areas that can be used. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.
Spare Key
Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
Replace rotten wood near door frames. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Be sure and replace rotted wood with fresh wood in order to ensure home safety.
Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.
Consider your security risk and safety needs before purchasing home security systems. Some systems might not be adaptable to your situation. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Think about your risk factor when making a decision.
Invest in a high quality paper shredder. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. You can tear your documents up by hand before disposing of them if a shredder is out of your price range.
Anytime you make a new electronics purchase, keep the boxes off the curb until the very last minute. This will show that you have expensive equipment in your home. Cut the boxes up when they are empty.
Can you read your house numbers while in the street? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Just replace them if you need to.
Instead of thinking that your house will never be threatened by a criminal, always prepare for the worst. Don’t be scared, but do be cautious. Follow the excellent tips presented here to provide your home, your family and yourself with great security.
