Home security may be a big priority for you, specially if you live by yourself or if you’re a single parent. Rather than living in fear, there are many things you can do to improve things. Go over the information in this article to learn about home security.
Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. One way to do this is to check their references. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.
Do you keep your dog outdoors when you go out? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.
Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. They can be programmed to alert the homeowner if a person enters the home. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.
Conceal valuable spaces within your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there.
If you’ve recently moved into a house, get any locks changed out. The old owners may seem nice, but you don’t know everything about them. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.
Be sure to read all of the fine print to any contracts you plan on signing for a security company. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so know about them up front.
Landscape your home with safety in mind. Do not obstruct doors and windows with plants or furniture. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. This should be planned in advance for your safety.
Find out how long a company has been in operation before signing a home security contract. It doesn’t take long for a quality company to prove itself in the security business, and you should look for a track record of satisfied customers and successful work. You can feel confident when you choose a well established, reputable home security company.
Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. When you choose a company that pays close attention to detail in creating your home security plan, you will feel very secure.
Before you think about home security, consider personal security and safety. Security systems are a proven method of reducing your chance of break-ins, but it is not always the right choice. In some situations, having a good dog and/or learning some self defense may be all that you really need to feel safe. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.
Hidden Cameras
Put a surveillance system in your home. Having visible or hidden cameras can help immensely. Visible cameras have a deterrent effect, and if they are disabled, hidden cameras can capture the events that unfold. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.
When you purchase an expensive item such as a computer or TV, be sure to take the cardboard box to the recycling center rather than leaving it on your curb for all the world to see. This will just alert criminals to the fact that you have expensive items in your home. Break up the boxes into smaller pieces before you put them near the curb.
If you have kids or roommates that you don’t want in certain household areas, it’s not necessary to lock multiple doors and tote around tons of keys. Use a code-access lock for any door you don’t want others opening. You could install these locks yourself. Or, you may have a security company to do it for you.
Making your home safer through home security does not always have to cost a small fortune. Many easier, cheaper methods exist that can make a big difference. Keep these suggestions in mind in order to protect your home from any threat.
