As a homeowner, you really should know about security procedures for your home. You need not read copious amounts of material, however! The following piece will give you tips to help you make your home safer.
Spare Key
Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.
Only provide your house cleaner with a key if you trust him or her implicitly. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. 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.
Security System
Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Each company has different rates for their security system. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.
Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.
If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.
Do not be shy. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Listen to gossip also. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.
Spare Key
Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. While you may need to prepare if you have a spare key, it is wise to choose ways that do not increase the risk of a criminal gaining entrance to your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.
Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.
While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. To provide maximum security, wiring should be laid underground or installed safely within the walls of your house. This will help to deter intruders that are looking to quickly disable your alarm system.
Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.
If you haven’t bought a paper shredder yet, make it a point to do so. Thieves often find the trash cans to be a gold mine of pertinent information about potential victims. Rip your important papers up before throwing them away if you can’t get a shredder.
Whenever you purchase some expensive item, don’t place the empty boxes right outside your home. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. Remember to cut up or break down those boxes and take them to the recycling center.
Keeping people out of various areas of your home does not have to involve using multiple locks and keys. If you do have areas to lock, consider getting keyless locks that you can open using a code, rather than carrying a huge ring of keys around with you. These can be installed either by you, or a home security company.
Spring Latch Locks
Try to stay away from spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. A thief only needs to skip the credit card in between the lock to make it open. A deadbolt should be added for security purposes if you have locks that are spring latch.
It is worth your while as a homeowner to invest the time and effort needed to make your home secure. You need to sift through the mounds of information available to find the reliable tips you can use. Therefore, it pays to refer back to the information found above whenever you require guidance on the subject of keeping your home safe and sound.
