Keeping a security strategy in place is always wise, but it is not always easy to do. A little bit of self-education in the field of home security can go a long way towards making your home safer and yourself a more responsible homeowner. Continue reading to learn all the different ways to help safely secure your home.
When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.
Do you keep your dog outdoors when you go out? Store the spare key with them. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.
Buy fire-resistant building materials. This will give your home added security. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.
Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.
Clear away all the dead and dried out vegetation around your home in the summer. These can be fire hazards and can cause damage to your home. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.
Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. Instead, give your extra key to a neighbor whom you trust.
Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. Many intruders bypass a security system by cutting the wires. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. Keep yourself safe.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.
Take advantage of the Internet while comparing your home security options. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.
Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Darkness allows for all sorts of nefarious activities. So it’s smart to put a light in typically darker corners around your home. Over doors, near windows and especially your back yard need to be lit.
Make sure you have weighed the costs and risks when you are considering your security needs. Although these systems can protect you and your family, not everybody needs them. Sometimes just taking a class in self defense or adopting a loud dog is enough, while at other times a full fledged security system might be the way to go. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.
You don’t need to rely on keys to prevent entry to certain areas of your home. If you do have areas to lock, consider getting keyless locks that you can open using a code, rather than carrying a huge ring of keys around with you. You can have your home security company install it for you, or you can do it yourself.
Inquire about various contract lengths which your security company might offer. There are of course pros and cons for each contract. While your monthly rates may be lower with a lengthy contract, you have no recourse should you list your home for sale or terminate your contract. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.
Don’t have spring latch locks installed. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. The lock can be triggered to open by simply wedging the card in the lock. Put in a deadbolt for more security if your doors already contain spring latch locks.
When you will be away from home, keep the curtains and blinds shut. When they are open, potential burglars get a free look in. If their eyes fall on something they like, they are going to think about breaking in. You should keep them closed while you are asleep.
See if your firm gives you the choice of leasing and/or buying security equipment. Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. Look at both of these to see what works for you.
Obviously, owning a big dog that has a frightening bark has its benefits. A barking dog will keep most intruders away. If you own a dog, it can double as a playmate or companion and a security benefit.
It is better to buy equipment from a security company directly, instead of from someone re-selling it. Dealers just want to make money, and sometimes they do not back up the products that they carry. When talking to the company, make sure you don’t have to pay hidden fees and that someone will fix the equipment if needed.
The topic of home security is very important, but many people do not know much about it. Learning about the subject is essential for anyone who is concerned about the security of their loves ones and possessions. Use the information presented here as a basis for your home security knowledge.