Check Out Some Of These Home Security Tips
In order to make a good decision regarding home security, you need to know all the information that is out there. This is not a decision you should take lightly. It is important to review your options and do what you can to protect your family.
Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. It is also another way to secure your home.
Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This will come in handy if your dog is outdoors most of the time or if it can go outside through a pet door. Put a key on the dog's collar so you have access to it when necessary!
Don't announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar "friends". While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.
Is your garage used for storage? Consider removing those items and keeping your car there instead. It will be far more secure against thieves. A car kept locked in a garage is much less likely to be stolen or damaged. When it is in hiding, people won't know if you're home.
If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.
You can hide things in your walls. You can hide small valuables in your walls. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. If you have no unused plates, you can put in a fake one.
Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.
Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? Often homeowners are unaware of this fact until they find that their wiring has been stolen. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.
Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. A background check is also a good idea, so that you know what their criminal history looks like. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.
Consider your personal needs for safety and your security risks prior to looking for security systems. Generic systems aren't for everyone. In some areas, a class on self defense or a guard dog might be more suitable, yet in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Understanding your neighborhood, risks and budget constraints can help you to make the best choices.
If you don't have a paper shredder, you might want to buy one. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. If you don't have a paper shredder, tear the papers up.
Don't leave the boxes of any high priced electronics on the curb of your house. A burglar may see the box and decide to target you as a result. Cut up the boxes when they're empty.
Can you see the number of your house from the street? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. This is easy and inexpensive to fix if you believe there could be a problem.
Inquire as to the different lengths of contracts offered by your security company. They probably each have their pluses and negatives. A long contract may lock you in even if you choose to sell the house or want to stop the services, but it can result in a lower bill every month. A short contract will avoid this, but may be more costly.
Keep valuables that are irreplaceable secure. Items like family photos, passports, legal documents and expensive jewelry should be kept in a safe place. Floor safes are excellent locations for keeping these particular items safe inside your home. To be even more cautious, you can get a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Make sure you have the curtains drawn if your windows are faced toward the street. You want to avoid having people peek through the window. If valuable items can be seen from outside your home, it is an open invitation to burglars. Reduce the risk of being burglarized by being careful about what people can see.
Replace your doors with some that are solid wood or metal. Doors such as these stand their ground. It would be very hard for a burglar to kick it and go inside. Make sure to replace exterior doors for the cheapest amount possible.
Sliding glass doors are a big security problem in many homes. They can be unlocked very easily if you shake and lift them. If your security system is not connected to the doors, cut a board or pipe the exact length of the door channel, and drop it in the space to secure the doors. This prevents the door from being opened.
Captive keylock deadbolts are your best bet. Deadbolts have a thumb latch for an extra layer of protection. When at home you should keep the key securely in the lock. In this way you will be able to exit quickly in case of emergency.
Now that you've come to the end of this article, you know a lot more about home security. It is your job to learn all you can. You want to make sure that you adequately protect you and your family. Keep this advice in mind for the future.
