5 Home Security Tips

September 01, 2010, By 5 comments

Checking Your Locks

High-end lock mechanisms are one of the best home security features. A deadbolt, for example, prevents burglars from using credit cards to slide open your locks, and adds an additional layer of protection. Make sure that your doors and windows are properly fitted to their casings, both for home security and energy efficiency.

Homeowners often fail to check locks on upper-story doors and windows. Remember that predators can climb, so don't leave windows unlatched or doors unbolted, even if they are on the second or third floor. The same goes for lower dwellings; basements often have exterior access points and therefore should be protected.

Home Security Starts Outside the Home

You might think the dense row of shrubbery in front of your house adds curb appeal, but it also provides prowlers with concealment. Burglars and other predators like homes where they can slink within the shadows, and heavy landscaping provides just that type of opportunity.

Landscape lighting is highly important and it doesn't cost much to install. If your garage is attached to your home, lock it while you are away and use a remote control to open it. Always make sure that the door between the house and the garage is bolted.

A Household Plan

Nothing beats household preparedness. If your family knows how to respond to an emergency, you'll be far safer than if you have to wing it.

Create a plan with your family. Should the kids get in the closet if a prowler is in the home? Should you or your spouse call the police? What is the fastest path to the exits in case of a fire or other disaster?

You might feel like you're back in elementary school, running earthquake or tornado drills, but this type of planning can save your life. Run through the plan every six months or so to keep it fresh in your minds, and continually update the plan when you spot weaknesses.

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Comments (5):

Kelley H. Appreciate the information. We had an attempted break in not long ago and our dog was an enormous help. He barked loud enough to alert us and chased them before they actually gained access. We had a keyed on both sides lock and they were trying to pick it. Economy is bad, people are unemployed and we can't make it easy for them to steal our goods. - 11/28/2010
Rick D. Victoria, The tv show How to catch a thief was great at pointing these things out.. - 11/22/2010
Thomas P. If you have alarm system with red light on pad visible from outside, on day time it is signal to burglar that nobody is home. They break into my house breaking patio doors glass without disturbing alarm on the door. They did not left bedroom that they did not trigger moving sensor out of room. To safe doors with lock and windows did not help on this case. Be smart and think as they do. - 11/10/2010
Jim F. "Avoid going outside after dark unless you have invested in landscape or path lighting." Yes, that's right, live in fear of your surroundings. Don't go outside, don't dare to speak to your neighbors, don't look out the windows, in fact, board up your windows and move into the basement like a cockroach. We are out of control people. We live in fear because they want us to consume. - 10/19/2010
Victoria F. THINK LIKE A BURGLAR Professional or amateur burglars will break into your home, if there is an opportunity. Be prepared and fight back. Getting robbed is an awful feeling and makes you think that you could have done more to prevent it. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. Living in a house takes more places and things to think about when talking security. There are lots of break-in points to consider. If you have had a bad experience already with a crook — learn from it — don't just think bad luck won't strike twice! if you want to learn more visit site http://secure-your-valuables.com/ - 09/21/2010

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