Home security has a large market now. Burglaries happen everyday no matter where you live. Burglars usually target homes that seem lax in security measures. To keep your home as safe as possible, continue reading to learn more about home security.
Change the locks after buying a new house. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.
Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. You should not let cleaners have your keys if you feel like you cannot trust them, or if they will be working in your home while you are away. Do a background check on them. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.
Do you have an outside dog? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.
Police Department
Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.
Do not be shy. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Look out for their property, and see if they will look out for yours. Don’t ignore any gossip either. You may hear valuable information regarding security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.
If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.
You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.
Spare Key
Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. For obvious reasons, experienced burglars know every possible hiding spot. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.
Keep valuables out of sight of windows. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.
Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. It is more common than you would believe for a thief to find a home, try the door and walk right in when it’s unlocked. It does not take long for thieves to steal a lot from your home.
Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? A lot of people don’t realize this fact until a robber steals it from their home. Wiring can be removed from the outside of a home in a heartbeat. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.
Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. A background check may also be a good idea. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.
When about to sign a contract with any home security firm, read all the small print. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.
Take advantage of the Internet while comparing your home security options. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. From there, you can make appointments with your top three selections to compare final package pricing and specific details about plans and monitoring.
The security of your home is essential for you and for your family’s safety. No one ever expects crime to strike home. Remember the tips from this article, and spend some time in implementing an effective home security system. Do not delay. Do something about your home security before it is too late.
