Great Home Security Ideas That'll Keep Your Home Safe
Do you understand how home security systems work? If you feel lost, then you should keep reading to find out more information. Keep reading, because it's a costly investment for the safety of you and your loved ones.
Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.
When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. A burglar might hear your phone ring and ring and ring, then realize that you are not home to answer it.
Install motion-sensor lights. The lights will be triggered when someone gets too close to the house. The lights will notify you of motion and also deter would be burglars. Don't forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.
Switch your locks. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.
Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn't give you a bad vibe. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you're uneasy. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.
Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don't have nearby neighbors. You need to do some research on the areas where you live to get an idea of how frequent break ins are.
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. Make sure you keep your blinds closed or arrange your possessions in such a way that they can't be seen from outside.
If you are moving into a home that had a previous owner, then you should immediately change the locks. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. It's easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.
Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home's security. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.
Consider purchasing a wireless security system for your home. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. Wireless systems are easier to install and maintain, and they do not rely on the power in your home to work correctly.
Don't use spring-latch locks. These are very easy to pick by simply using a credit card. Intruders just have to slide a card in between the latch and door for the lock to pop open. If you have spring latches already installed, consider adding deadbolts too.
Don't keep your car registration in the glove box of your car. Anyone having access to this information can see where you live. Keep them with you or hide them elsewhere. However, make sure you have them in case you were to get pulled over by the cops.
Don't hide keys in obvious areas. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. The first place a person will look is a doormat. It is probably best to find someone you trust to hold a key for you. If you cannot do that, try to be creative when it comes to hiding places.
A home alarm might be a good investment. Your best option is an alarm system that is monitored centrally so the police will be dispatched when the alarm sounds. Don't count on neighbors to hear the alarm and call the police.
A lot of people try avoiding the neighborhood gossip. Try to listen to them when you need to. If there is someone lurking around your house, your neighbors can be your eyes when you are not home. As a friend, they will be sure to notify you.
Women living alone or with just children are targeted more often than others. Place large, muddy boots at your doorstep so it looks like a big, burly fellow lives there. This should keep most intruders away.
Obviously, owning a big dog that has a frightening bark has its benefits. A threatening dog makes a powerful deterrent to any would-be intruder or burglar. Therefore, consider owning a large dog so your home can be protected from burglaries. Just make sure this dog won't attack your family!
It is important that you do not leave any wiring exposed outside of your house. Electrical components and wiring has copper, which is worth a good bit of money. Hiding electrical wiring can stop intruders from stealing copper, preventing you from having to pay repair costs.
Avoid having rooms in your house that are visible from the outside. Thieves are always on the lookout for highly visible expensive equipment. Consider putting up drapes or curtains to keep people from seeing what is inside. If this is not a possibility, keep really valuable stuff in interior rooms.
Are you more confident, given your new knowledge base about security systems for the home? The better educated you are on the subject, the more informed decisions you can make. Keep the information above close as you consider the options.
