Are you seeking ways to make your home more safe? If so, you have made a good choice, as you never know what could happen to your house. You should employ as many tactics as necessary to stay safe. Continue reading to learn some excellent security strategies you can utilize in your own home.
You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This is an excellent technique that helps avoid robberies while keeping the property safe.
If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. Check the housekeeper’s references very carefully. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.
Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. That said, stranger things have happened.
The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.
Entry Points
A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Your windows are easy entry points for crooks too. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. They are the most effective.
Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace it as soon as possible.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. They will help you get around in case your entire home is dark. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.
Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This can put your family and possessions in danger. Act cautiously to avoid potential dangers.
Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. 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.
Always go over the small print on contracts offered by your home security company. There may be hidden expenses involved if you terminate service before the contract term is up, and there may be added equipment fees. These are costs you’ll want to avoid.
Consider your own personal safety needs and security risks before exploring home security systems. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. Some neighborhoods would feel be safe enough if you knew basic self defense or had a large dog. Understanding your neighborhood, risks and budget constraints can help you to make the best choices.
You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This can be very dangerous because the thief could still be inside. Call the authorities and let them take care of the situation.
If you will be away from your home, arrange to have whoever is collecting your mail to also pick up fliers placed inside your door. Canny burglars will often produce and distribute their own fliers so that they can see whether or not anyone takes them down. Intruders can get a good idea of what your schedule is like or figure out that you are on vacation if the flyer stays on your door for a long time.
Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. They all likely have different benefits and downsides. Longer contracts can lower your monthly bill; however, you may have to continue paying the bill even if you move or discontinue with their services. Shorter contracts offer greater freedom, but may be more expensive each month.
The fact is that no homes are totally immune to criminal threats. However, what you can do is make sure you’ve done what you can to provide adequate protection. The piece you just read should have taught you some things. Make good use of them in order to make certain your home is protected.