Arming yourself with home security knowledge is something everyone should do. You need not read copious amounts of material, however! Start with this article and go on from there.
Change all of your locks when you move in. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. This is also the thing to do if you lose the keys.
Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? Store the spare key with them. Find a place to securely fasten the key to your pet’s collar where it’s not visible. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.
Make sure you have a safe to keep valuable items in one place. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.
Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!
Garage Door
Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.
If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. A car kept locked in a garage is much less likely to be stolen or damaged. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.
Don’t be shy. Converse with those living in your area. Keep an eye on their houses and yards and request that they return the favor. It does not necessarily pay to steer clear of gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.
Install lights that have motion sensors. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.
You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. Remember, the new security apparatus is meant to make you feel safe and secure.
If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.
Walls are great for hiding items. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.
Rotten Wood
Replace rotten wood near door frames. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.
Make sure to have flashlights with fresh batteries in all rooms within your house in the event of a power outage. Power outages are common to all sorts of emergency situations, so having flashlights handy will enable you to maneuver in the dark. Keep in mind that your family might be separated during a power outage, and make sure you children know where to find and how to use your flashlights.
It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Review the websites of several companies and play close attention to the types of services offered and the customer reviews. Then you can schedule an appointment for a home visit to discuss which package is best for you and what it will cost.
Every homeowner should learn all they can to protect their home. Unfortunately, sorting out the good information from the bad can be difficult. It’s great to remember this information if you need to become more knowledgeable about home security.
