Now that summer is just about here, it’s a good idea to take stock and make some improvements on your home security. Even if you have a home security system, there are many items you’ll want to incorporate into your home safety checklist. A home security system is helpful – especially in the event of a fire or co2 monitoring, however, according to many former burglars, a security system did little to deter them from breaking into a home.
So what can you do to improve your home security?
There are many quick and easy things you can do to make your home and the surround yard a safer place for you and your family. No matter what kind of home you live in, everyone can benefit by incorporating these home safety tips into their daily routine.
1. Lock the Doors and Windows – An unlocked door or window is the number one reason most homes are burglarized. Many thieves randomly choose homes to burglarized based solely on whether or not they can gain access easily and quickly. Burglars do not want to alert the neighbors they are breaking in and usually don’t break a window to gain access. The best thing you can do to prevent a break in is to lock your doors.
2. Get a Dog – Dogs, noisy dogs, are also wonderful deterrents to burglars. It doesn’t matter what size dog, as long as it barks the thief will likely skip your home and move on to the next one.
3. Bring in the Mail – Be sure to bring in your mail, newspapers and any flyers left at your door. If they pile up it appears as if you aren’t home which makes your home a more attractive target. If you do go out of town have a neighbor collect any flyers, have the mail held at the post office and stop the newspaper while you’re away.
4. Store Ladders – Don’t leave ladders around for easy access. Put ladders in the garage and lock it. Don’t provide an easy way for burglars to break into your home.
5. Motion Detectors – Use motion detectors and light timers to illuminate the yard and rooms upstairs in the house. If you have a smart home you can do this from your phone or iPad.
6. Keep Yard Tidy – A well landscaped yard or tidy yard, tells any potential thieves you are home and vigilant. Mow your lawn and trim any hedges and bushes that might be good cover for a would-be burglar.
7. Pack in the Garage – If you are going on a road trip – for the day, weekend or a couple of weeks – load the car up in the garage so people can’t see that you’ll be leaving the house unattended.
8. Start a Neighborhood Crime Watch – Thieves hate neighborhood crime watches so start one up on your block. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, another method for lowering the crime rate in your neighborhood.
9. Know Where Your Keys Are – Don’t label your keys with your name or address. If a thief gets hold of them you’re going to be a target. Don’t hide keys under welcome mats or around the house in fake rocks. Give a set to your neighbors if you are worried about being locked out. If you just bought the house, ask if the locks have been changed. Most people don’t change their locks when buying or selling a home.
10. Keep Exteriors Locked – Lock your fences, gates and garage doors. Don’t leave your garage door open unless you are in the vicinity and can keep an eye on it.
