Though they want to improve the security of their homes, many homeowners are at a loss with where they should begin. Improving home security is not necessarily expensive or time-consuming. Keep reading to discover some great home security tips and advice.
Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!
Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. Only select service people who are totally trustworthy. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.
Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.
Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. You need this because you would not want burglars to see these valuable items around in your house. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.
When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.
Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.
You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.
Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Speak to your neighbors. Watch their homes for suspicious activity and get their word that they will do the same thing for you. Never neglect gossip. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.
Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. It doesn’t cost much and they can usually show up within a day.
If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. Some think rural areas see less burglary.
Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. You could, for instance, invest in an alarm system, some outside lights, adopt a dog or take some self-defense classes. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.
Think about having a wireless security system for the home installed. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. Wireless systems are much more simple to install and upkeep, and the power inside your home will not affect them.
Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs are protective of turf and generally make noise when something is wrong. A common misconception, though, is that you have to have a large animal to be safe. Small dogs are noisy and unpredictable and very good at deterring burglars.
Spring latch locks are not a good option. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. If you have spring latches already installed, consider adding deadbolts too.
Now that you have been supplied with some great home security tips, you are better prepared to secure your home. Changes need to be made immediately to upgrade your level of safety. You will soon have a home that you feel completely safe in at all times of the day and night. You should now be able to sit back and relax.