Every homeowner needs to take active steps to maintain home security. Sadly, homes are broken into every day. Keep reading to find out more about home security and how you can protect your family.
Change all of your locks when you move in. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.
Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.
Turn off your phone’s ringer when you go on vacation. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.
Police Department
Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.
Keep valuables out of sight of windows. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.
Always lock your doors, even if you are just walking down the street. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.
When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. All windows can be entry spots for thieves. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. This will make your family safer.
Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.
Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.
It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.
The outside of your house should be well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Light up the dark spots around your home. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.
You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This is a delicate situation as the burglar might still be in your home. It is best to call the police right away and go to a safe place until the police check your home.
If you purchase a new TV or computer, don’t leave empty boxes from your purchases on the curb. These boxes are a signal to burglars that you have something worth stealing. Break down the box, and take it to the local recycling center.
If there are areas of your home you want to keep locked off, you do not need keys. Get key-less locks that need a code. You can either install these locks by yourself, or have them professionally installed if you are not that handy yourself.
See if your security company only sells equipment, or if they will lease it to you instead. Buying your equipment may cost more initially, however it can actually save you money over time. The initial cost of leasing may seem low, but you may be required to sign a long term contract and it may carry a higher monthly fee. Check out both options to discover the best one for you. The option that’s best for one person may not be best for another.
If you often turn your lights off/on around the same time, consider using a timer. A timer will turn your lights on and off randomly and functions whether you are home or not.
Many things can be threats to your home, which is why you need a good security system. You’ve just been giving some great home security tips. Use all the tips you read and do more research on home security.
