The home security industry is huge. No matter where you live, you probably have a concern in the back of your head about people breaking in. However, you can reduce the risks of burglary by improving the security of your home. In this article we will discuss simple methods to prevent your home from being targeted for a burglary.
Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.
Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. A safe is the best way to protect your diamonds, gold and important documents. Hide that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic.
Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. One good place to hide a spare key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.
If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.
Police Department
Consult with your police department to find out about good programs for home protection. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.
If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. Keeping your car in your garage also keeps a thief from knowing whether you are at home or not.
Get to know your neighbors. Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. You never want to ignore gossip. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.
Rural Areas
People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. Due to the distance between neighbors, some think rural areas are more likely to have intruders. Not everyone believes this, though.
Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. No need to damage your walls. You can find pre-cut areas in your walls that can be used. An unused outlet can be taken apart, and the space used to create a tiny hidden safe.
Lock the house, even if just going away for a short time. Break-ins are often the result of unlocked windows and doors. It can be a quick job for a burglar to steal items of great value.
Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.
Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. They will help you get around in case your entire home is dark. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.
If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. They sometimes have hidden costs if you let go of them prior to the contract expiring. It’s best to know about these fees in advance so that you can avoid them when possible.
When seeking out home security firms, the Internet is an indispensable tool. Go through different websites and investigate testimonials about different companies and packages. Then, you can choose a top three to contact and compare details and pricing.
Home security is vital for both your safety and the safety of your family. No one ever expects crime to strike home. Remember these tips and create a home security system. Don’t waste another minute. Take care of this important matter now.
