If you are a homeowner, you understand how important home security is. Almost nothing is as bad as the thought of having your home broken into and destroyed. You make a huge monetary and emotional investment in your home. Keep your most precious investment safe.
Protect your spare key by using your dog. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!
It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.
Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Check references thoroughly. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.
Security System
No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Ask someone who works at the security company to do a maintenance check. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.
Avoid coming across as overly shy. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. By knowing the people in your neighborhood, you can rest a little easier knowing that people are looking out for each other. Never neglect gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.
Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.
Walls are excellent hiding spots. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. You can also install a fake one.
You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.
Before you give a security company employee access to your home, make sure they’re in uniform and that they present acceptable identification. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. Be careful to avoid this sort of danger.
Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.
Extra Security
A great way to achieve extra security is to install exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.
Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your home. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. You will get the best home security system possible if you use a service willing to work with you to create a tailored system.
Anytime you come home and notice that the door is open whenever you are quite certain you closed it, don’t enter on your own to investigate. The thief might still be inside, and you don’t have any idea whether or not they are armed. Call the authorities and let them take care of the situation.
Consider a surveillance system for your home and property. Video cameras are a great deterrent. Intruders can be deterred to visible cameras, but hidden cameras are better if criminals damage the other cameras. A lot of surveillance systems may be accessed through a cell phone, letting you check on your house when you’re away.
There is no need to have keyed locks on interior doors. Keyless locks require a code to unlock the door. You could install these locks yourself. Or, you may have a security company to do it for you.
Does your security company offer leasing and buying? Buying will cost you more initially for the equipment, but will save you a monthly bill. The initial cost of leasing may seem low, but you may be required to sign a long term contract and it may carry a higher monthly fee. Pick the option that suits your particular situation best.
Avoid keeping your key somewhere expected. Rocks that aren’t real are easy to notice. The thief will check under the mat before anything else. The most secure thing you can do is to entrust your key to a reliable neighbor or a friend you can count on. When this isn’t an option, you should at least use your imagination when choosing a hiding place.
Secure valuables that are truly irreplaceable. Some of these items can include legal documents, jewelry, passports, and priceless family photos. One option is a floor safe inside your home. An even better idea is to store them in a safe deposit box outside the home.
As discussed, protecting your home is not that hard. You just need to be knowledgeable on home security ideas. Use the tips you just read to improve your home security. Do not neglect even one of these tips, because they all help ensure your home is safe.