You have probably had friends and acquaintances who have been burglarized. Home invasions are not uncommon, and it’s important to take certain precautions. Burglaries can happen anywhere. The following article will provide you with some useful tips on home security.
Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.
Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.
See what the local police offer when it comes to home protection programs. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.
Store your car in the garage if you have it. Keeping the car inside is a good way to keep criminals from stealing or harming it. When it is in hiding, people won’t know if you’re home.
The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. It might be that you have an angry ex-roommate or a bitter ex-partner, so changed locks will boost your security. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.
Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.
Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.
Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. In some neighborhoods, you might be better off taking a self defense class or owning a dog, while in others, the latest innovations in home security will protect you best. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.
If you get home and see the door is slightly open, don’t go inside by yourself to investigate. The thief might still be inside, and you don’t have any idea whether or not they are armed. Instead, wait outside until the police come, after calling them on your cell phone.
Consider a wireless home security system. While a wired system is more affordable, it also requires more extreme modifications of your home’s existing wiring. This could be a potential problem in the event that your power goes out. Wireless systems are much easier to maintain and also to install, and they are not reliant on your central power source.
Make sure that your garage is not visible from the outside in. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Don’t leave the door unlocked for a long time, either.
Remember that burglaries happen in all kinds of homes, from modest to luxurious. The houses most often broken into are those that are easy to break into. You can take the proper steps now to make sure you and your family feel safe and protected within your home.
