This isn’t a decision you want to throw together. You need to pay close attention to the security for your family.
Make your home look occupied at all times. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This is an effective deterrent against burglars.
Your dog can keep your spare key for you. This will only be ideal if you have a dog or if you’ve got a pet door. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.
After you purchase a new home, change the locks. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.
Does your dog remain outside while you go out? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your extra key. Put the key on their collar. This is quite effective if your pet does not take kindly to strangers.
Store your car in the garage if you have it. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.
Above a door frame or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. One good place to hide your key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.
Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Cover all street-facing windows.
You should never want to open your door to a stranger without proper identification. People often think of ways to convince others into letting them in so that they can steal from them. Make a habit to only open the door to people you were expecting.
You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.
These are vulnerable to fires and can cause damage to your home in danger. Clear your yard so it looks good and is safe.
Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.
Some people feel that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Some think burglaries are less burglars in rural areas.
Your first priority when you move to an apartment or house where others have lived in before is to replace all the locks. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.
Don’t hide an extra key under doormats or in a planter. These are the first places for you when they try to enter your key. Thieves know common hiding spots.
Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan your greenery and shrubbery for areas away from the direct path to your home to add beauty while still keeping your house safe.
Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a home through an unlocked door. A thief can steal all your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.
Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Darkness allows for all sorts of nefarious activities. Make sure to have lights anywhere an intruder might enter. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.
Always get references from anyone work on your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a good idea.You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, so do not give them a key to your home.
If you plan to be away and you have another person collecting your mail, have them double check your front door for fliers. Often burglars will place these at homes and wait to see if people take them down. If their fliers are not moved, the crook knows the home is unattended.
Be certain to read the fine print to any contracts you plan on signing for a home security company. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract early or need additional equipment down the road. You should avoid such expenses if you can, so read everything.
Equip your home with a system designed for home surveillance. This will allow you to see who is around your house. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, which lets you look in on your house when away.
Keeping your house bright and lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They want to be seen. Keep your lights on during the night.
Could burglars see inside your garage? Make sure that they can’t! Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving your garage door open for any longer than absolutely necessary, even if you’re at home.
Get a custom-designed plan that fits your home security system custom built for your needs.
Think about getting a hard-wired home security system if maintenance costs are an issue for you. Wireless systems, while convenient, will require much more maintenance. Forgetting to add new batteries can cause your system to not work as it should. Buying new batteries to replace the old ones can get expensive.
Never enter your home if the door open. This can be very dangerous since the thief may still be inside. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.
Deadbolts with captive keylocks are the best locks on the market. A thumb latch prevents outsiders from accessing your door locks through an adjacent window. As a safety measure, keep the key inserted on the inside, so if there is a fire you will be able to open the door quickly.
If you plan to go away and have asked someone to get the mail, have them remove fliers from the door. Burglars sometimes place fliers as a means to see whether or not they are removed.
Women are much more likely to be targeted for a home invasion, especially if they live by themselves or with children. Place large, muddy boots at your doorstep so it looks like a big, burly fellow lives there. This should keep most intruders away.
Install a home surveillance system in your home. You can have great home security by putting in cameras whether they’re concealed or out in the open. Visible cameras deter many intruders, and should they decide to disable them, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. You can sometimes access security systems using your cell phone, too.
When it comes to pets, large breed dogs are an excellent security addition. Burglars would not want to deal with potentially being bitten or attacked. Owning a dog not only offers a great companion, but a built in alarm system, too.
Make sure no one can look inside your garage isn’t visible. Do not leave doors open long enough for lengthy periods while you own.
It is better to buy your home security system directly from the security company instead of from a dealer. Re-sellers are out to score quick money, and they likely won’t offer you any guarantees. If you get your product from the company, you will avoid a ton of fees.
Don’t leave empty boxes for big-ticket purchases outside on your house. Burglars will see those boxes and realize that there are valuable things in your house. Cut the boxes and hide the garbage truck comes to put it out.
Keep your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors well cleaned. They tend to get dust on them which can prevent the sensors from going off when they should. Few things are more dangerous than a false sense of security. Ensure your detectors are working properly in order to stay as safe as possible.
Ask the company if they offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying the equipment might cost more up front, but this means there are no monthly charges. Leasing is often less expensive, but you will have to pay monthly fees. Look into both choices to know which one is better for you.
Video security systems are a nightmare for a burglar. Burglars we see in movies that wear masks are purely fictional. The average burglar wants to avoid coming into contact with the homeowner or anyone else. They will likely leave if they notice the cameras and sensors.
You shouldn’t keep your auto registration papers in the glove box. This isn’t smart since anyone who has access to them is going to know where you live. Keep them with you or hide them somewhere else in your vehicle. You must have easy access to them on hand if the police stop you.
Search for a company that offers you more than a simple security system. A professional security company will make safety recommendations during their visit to your home. That could include new, stronger locks, landscaping advice and even window replacement. This comprehensive solution will help keep robbers at bay by limiting their access to your home.
Think about getting a hard-wired system if you’re worried about long term maintenance costs. It can also be pretty expensive to replace a ton of batteries.
If you have an air conditioning unit in your window, make sure it is screwed securely or has bars around it. Unless they are bolted down and secured, a thief can remove them and gain access to your home. You can remove them in winter for additional security.
Sliding glass doors can be a huge security issues in lots of homes. They can be easily unlocked just by lifting and shakes the door frame. This will ensure the door shut tightly shut and make it tougher to force open.
Your trash could compromise your home’s security. If you recently bought expensive electronic items, thieves may see the boxes in the trash and decide to return later on to grab the goods. Even a simple appliance may be enough to entice a thief.
Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you know a lot more about home security. Home security is one field where it’s practically impossible to get good results without taking in plenty of information. Knowing that your family is safe is key. Remember these tips as you formulate your home security plan.
Infrared detection is technology that can alert you of humans near your home. The light will turn on when someone comes near, so it’s specific to these kinds of actions. This is a great deterrent for burglars and thieves. A burglar will run quickly when the lights come on!
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