If home security is on your mind, you want to pull together as much information on the subject as possible. This is not a decision to take lightly. Try focusing on how to boost the safety of your home for your family.
Change all of your locks when you move in. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.
Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.
When looking to buy a security system, shop around. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.
Police Department
Consult with your police department to find out about good programs for home protection. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.
Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.
Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time.
When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. This helps ensure your family stays safe.
Don’t let any service people into your home without checking their references completely. A background check may also be a good idea. Someone can seem nice and professional on the outside, but they may not be so nice on the inside.
Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. When they are positioned correctly, they make it pretty much impossible for intruders to get to your house unnoticed.
Keeping your home very bright during the night hours is an excellent way to prevent thieves. This will deter crooks from trying your home. A well-lit home will make it hard for intruders to hide and take your valuables without being detected. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.
Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc. should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. This should be planned in advance for your safety.
If you do not already have a paper shredder, you may want to think about investing in one. Unshredded documents can offer up a wealth of valuable personal information to thieves, including enough of your schedule to allow them to pinpoint the best time for a burglary. Cutting the papers into small pieces with a pair of scissors is another option.
Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Add some frosted glass panes to your windows to keep strangers from looking inside. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.
Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? Make sure they are large in case emergency personnel need to find your house. Fortunately, this is something that can be corrected quickly and cheaply.
Having read the information presented here, you are ready to make some smart choices about home security. There is no point in going blindly into home security. The safety of your family is the most important things. Remember this advice, and you will feel better about the situation as a whole.