Every homeowner wants to be sure their home and family are safe from possible harm. You might think that getting an alarm is enough; however, there are many other strategies as well. Read the following article for more detailed information about making your home secure.
After getting a new home, make sure to change its locks. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.
Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your extra key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.
You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.
The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.
If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. Skylights need to be installed correctly and safely, with hardware that will keep intruders out.
Get creative and hide valuables inside your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. An unused outlet can be taken apart, and the space used to create a tiny hidden safe.
Change all of the locks in your new residence. Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.
The wiring outside of your home can be valuable. Many people have their wires stripped each year. Experienced criminals can make a decent amount of money quickly by stripping copper wiring off of houses in order to sell it at a scrapyard. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.
When you landscape your house, make it safe. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. Have your landscape several feet away from your house for better safety.
Before signing up for home security, find out how long they’ve been in business. You can be sure that an established company has a good track record of providing solid and reliable service. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.
You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. A custom set-up will make sure you’re as safe as can be.
A wireless home security system could be just the option you are looking for. While wired systems may seem cheaper, they need your home to be rewired and they can fail due to a power outage. Wireless systems are much easier to install, and they can work independently of your home’s power.
Purchase a paper shredder to prevent your discarded papers from providing burglars with valuable information. Thieves often look through garbage, trying to find credit card information or other important documents. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.
Keep valuables that are irreplaceable secure. This can include items like important photos, passports, pricey jewelry, and legal documents. Floor safes may come in handy for this purpose. You could also look into getting a bank safe deposit box.
Keep your window coverings drawn in the evenings. Don’t let anyone see inside. If burglars spot the expensive items in your house, they may want to hit you next. Use some discretion and make sure to block your valuables from view with curtains or shades.
Homes that have sliding glass doors can be more of a security risk. These can become unlocked very easy by burglars. If there is no security system on it, you should place a pipe inside the door channel. This holds the door firmly in position. Even if the lock is broken, the door will still be held closed.
The best locks to choose are deadbolts which have captive keylocks. This makes it impossible to open the lock from the outside because of the thumb latch. If you are home, have a key inside the lock so you can easily exit if a fire breaks out.
When you can’t lock your door from the outside, your home isn’t secure. Use a deadbolt which has a key on the outside and inside for the best security.
Be sure no rooms inside your house are visible outside. If there is a huge TV or nice computer visible, then surely a thief can also see it as well. Be sure to put up good blinds and/or drapes to obstruct the view from outside. If you cannot do this, have valuables in a room that is not visible.
Now that you’ve finished reading this article, you know what you need to do to keep your home safe. Though it may all seem overwhelming, it is essential if you are to keep your loved ones and belongings secure. These tips and tricks will make you feel more comfortable with your layout.