The business of home security is booming. No matter where you live, you probably have a concern in the back of your head about people breaking in. For burglars, low security homes are easy targets. If you want to keep your home from being a target, read this article to make improvements to your home security.
Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. While their story may seem legit, that doesn’t mean it is true. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.
If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Keeping your car secured will prevent people from vandalizing it. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.
No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. The problem might not be obvious to you, though.
Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Others think that rural places have less of a chance of being targets for burglars.
Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.
Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. Small valuables fit nicely inside walls. Just access unused switch plates, outlets or phone jacks. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.
Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.
If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Having these boxes around will let thieves know the type of items that are inside your home.
Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.
You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. Power outages are common to all sorts of emergency situations, so having flashlights handy will enable you to maneuver in the dark. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.
Consider your security risk and safety needs before purchasing home security systems. Generic systems aren’t for everyone. Some neighborhoods would feel be safe enough if you knew basic self defense or had a large dog. Understand completely the risks and rewards in order to make an informed purchase decision.
Try to stay away from spring latch locks. These locks can be opened easily with a credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. If you already have spring latch locks, install a deadbolt for added security.
You shouldn’t keep your car registration documents inside the glove box. This isn’t smart because that information contains your home address. Keep them in your wallet or in another safe place in your car. They have to be accessible in the event you are in an accident or receive a speeding ticket.
Any doors that aren’t solid wood or made of metal should be replaced. Doors such as these stand their ground. A burglar could not kick a solid wood or a metal door. It should be possible for you to find replacements for all of your doors for a good price, so do it right away.
Figure out if motion sensitive lighting is an option for your home by talking to your home-security company. Many providers can supply this, and it switches exterior lights on whenever anyone comes near a point of entry. This can provide extra security when you enter your house, and can also hinder an intruder.
A home alarm system is a great investment, but it only works if someone notifies the authorities when it sounds. Some security systems have constant monitoring, so that when the alarm goes off, a call is made to the police for you. Don’t rely solely on your neighbors to notify the police.
Common security problems in homes include sliding glass doors. Intruders can easily unlock these doors by simply lifting and shaking. You can install a security channel to protect your sliding glass door and/or cut a piece of pipe or a dowel that fits into the door channel. This will prevent the door from moving or becoming unlocked.
Always lock all your windows, even the ones on the second floor. People often overlook their second floor windows, assuming that thieves won’t check them. This isn’t true. This is something that is a weak area, and criminals will go right to them.
Although locks are good to use, you could not use them outside. Therefore this will not be of use to you. The best lock of choice is always a deadbolt, and those which have keys on both inside and out ensure they can’t be opened by a burglar.
Clearly, there are a number of good reasons to have a big, loud dog. Thieves aren’t going to want to chance a possible bite or attack. Consider a new pet who can help to protect your home, as well as offer companionship to you and your family.
Maintaining a secure residence is important to ensure the safety of your family. Anyone can be a victim of a crime. Keep the above advice in mind when coming up with a home security plan. Don’t put it off. Take care of this important matter now.