Understanding the home security options on the market will help you make better decisions for your own situation. This is not a decision to take lightly. Figure out what will make your family feel secure in your home.
Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.
When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.
Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. Windows need to be monitored too. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. This will make your family safer.
Having light on in your home at night will scare crooks away. They do not desire to be seen. A well-lit home will make it hard for intruders to hide and take your valuables without being detected. If you want to stay secure, keep your house brightly lit.
Security Company
An important part of vetting any security company before you sign a contract with them is finding out how long they’ve been providing security services in your community. A reliable home security company is one that has a long history in the community and can offer references from satisfied customers. When you know that you’re dealing with a company of some repute, you can feel more at ease making that decision.
Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars love to operate in the dark. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.
Keep your garage shut and locked so burglars can’t peek inside. Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. Avoid leaving the door open for extended periods of time.
Put the boxes of any expensive electronic items in your trash can so would-be burglars won’t know see them. Burglars will see those boxes and realize that there are valuable things in your home for them to get. Break down the box, and take it to the local recycling center.
A dog is a great alarm system. Man’s best friend is very territorial and makes a lot of noise during anything happening out of the ordinary. A common misconception, though, is that you have to have a large animal to be safe. Even a small dog will deter intruders, who do not want a lot of noise when they commit their crimes.
Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. Each probably has its own set of positives and negatives. With a longer contract, your monthly payment is likely to be lower. The downside is you might be stuck for a longer period of time if you decide you don’t like the service or want to move. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.
Don’t utilize spring latch locks. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. The lock can be triggered to open by simply wedging the card in the lock. If this is the kind of lock on your doors, strongly consider adding a deadbolt for safety.
Avoid keeping your key somewhere expected. Fake rocks are very easy to spot. Many people also know to check under the welcome mat. You should just give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead. When this isn’t an option, you should at least use your imagination when choosing a hiding place.
If your door has a numeric keypad, don’t use your birthday as the password. Anyone can get your birthdate off mail or your Facebook page and will therefore have access to your home. Make it a random number that you and your family can commit to memory.
This article provides a starting point for your research. It’s useless to enter into home security blindly. The safety of your family is the most important things. Keep these tips on hand as you search for the right home security solutions.
