It’s easy to imagine a hectic, stressful home security installation process. The process doesn’t need to be that inconvenient. Read this article to learn how to easily and quickly secure your home.
Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.
Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Keep your safe in a hard-to-get-to place, such as a basement closet or your attic.
Spare Key
If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Common places to hide a spare key are above your door frame or underneath your doormat. Therefore, thieves are more likely to check these places out first. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.
Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.
See if your area police department has any home security programs. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.
Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. They turn on only if someone is nearby. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.
Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.
Entry Points
A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. Do this to keep you and your family safe.
If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home.
You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.
The Internet is great for searching for home security companies, so use it to your advantage. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. Put together a list of the different home security companies you want to know more about and give them a call.
Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. This should be planned in advance for your safety.
Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.
Wireless Systems
Wireless security systems are the next generation in protection. While wireless systems are often cheap, the cost of installation can be sky high. Wireless systems don’t need your home’s power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.
Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from across the street. It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Fortunately, it doesn’t require much to fix this problem.
Inquire about different choices for contract lengths available from the home security provider. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. A long term contract should have a lower monthly rate but it also requires you to commit for a long period of time. A shorter term allows for flexibility, but it might be expensive.
Secure your true valuables in an area that is as safe as possible. This includes important documents, jewelry and keepsakes. Keeping such valuables under lock and key (in a floor safe, for example) is a good way to provide the extra protection they need. You can also rent out a safety deposit box.
Purchase motion sensor lighting for the next generation in home security. Most companies will provide customers with this luxury. When anyone gets too close to the entry way, the lights turn on. This can deter potential thieves, as well as offer extra security while you enter your home.
Although the nosey neighbor is often considered a nuisance, as a homeowner it can be valuable to forge relationships with gossipy types. While much of the information these folks pass around is useless, they’re also the first to pick up on suspicious activity in the neighborhood. When you’re on good terms with them, you are more likely to receive word of any unusual activity.
You don’t necessarily need a fancy security system to keep your home safe. Whether you add fencing, install new locks or purchase a gun, there are things you can do to help. Do not forget this advice in order to increase security in your home.