When it comes to peace of mind, nothing cements it as much as having security for those you love and your valuables. Protection starts with having the right knowledge, and you can get what you need to know from the text below. Taking the time to read, it will be worth every second!
When choosing a security company, it is best to find a good one with a local office in your area. This will mean that any incidents will be handled expediently, and it also makes for much better customer service in general. Look to see what is available in your area.
Choose a deadbolt lock over a spring-latch lock. The spring-latch lock is much easier for burglars that are experienced in “loiding.” Loiding refers to the method where a plastic card like a credit card is slipped against the latch tongue to depress it, which will unlock your door. The deadbolt will prevent an attack like this. Deadbolts are vulnerable only when there is plenty of space between your door and your door frame for intruders to use hacksaws or power tools.
Walk outside of your home at night and see what is visible through your windows. If you have a clear view of your valuables, incredibly easily stolen electronics, so do potential thieves. If you don’t want to rearrange your home’s interior, make sure that blinds or drapes block the view.
Because so many people are numb to alarms’ sound, it is essential that you have your home security system linked to the local police station. This is helpful if you are home and can not call 911 yourself or away from home during a break-in.
Some wireless home security systems have additional features, such as remote control of home systems. When both parents work full-time jobs, this system is convenient for checking on school-age children until they can get home. The system can also lock and unlock doors and adjust the temperature level in the home.
When doing yard work or fixes on the outside of your home, be sure to put ladders and tools away when you are done. If you keep out ladders, thieves can easily climb them to get into your home. At the same time, they could use tools, like hammers, to break your windows.
Purchase fire extinguishers for every room in your house in the event of an emergency. Also, make sure that you train everyone in the home on its usage, so that everyone in the family is capable. Putting out a fire as it is in its early stages can help save your home.
Don’t hide your spare house key in a prominent place outside. The days of safely hiding the spare key under the doormat are long gone. Placing your passport in a conspicuous area like this now may help you if you get locked out, but it could also be an invitation for a thief to enter your home. It’s best to avoid hiding spare keys on your property. It would help if you either kept a spare key with a trusted neighbor or get a fingerprint or keypad door lock.
If your front door does not have a peephole already, install one immediately. A small peephole can let you see who is at your doorstop without giving them the view of the inside of your home. If your intruder uses the front door to get into your house, a peephole can give you a head start on calling the cops.
Ask your alarm system if they provide separate entry codes for cleaning people or maintenance men. If they do, take advantage of this feature. In many instances, you can arm the system to allow entry with that code only at specific times of the day. This will help prevent potential thieves from entering your house during the evening hours or at other times when they know you might not be at home.
Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. Rotted wood causes a severe weakness of your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.
Never leave a note on your door for couriers or service people as it is a big flag announcing that you’re not home. Instead, call the company and let them know whatever it is you need to tell them. Not having your home robbed is worth the extra effort it takes.
If you are going on vacation, don’t cancel the delivery of your mail or your newspaper. When you do that, you never know who may stumble across the information that you will be away from home. Instead, ask a friend or a family member to help you out.
If you are the only person in your home, take your keys to bed with you. The remote to your car has an “alarm”?button. If something happens, and you are concerned that a burglar may be trying to get into your home, hit that button and activate the alarm. The noise should scare the intruder away.
If any of your window or door frames are rotten, replace them immediately. This crumbling wood can give way, allowing a robber to pry open the entry point, giving them access to the inside. You will also prevent further damage through leaks and drafts from coming inside, both of which will cost you money if not fixed.
Ensure that whoever is getting your mail while you are on vacation also retrieves any fliers left on the door. Crafty burglars will leave fliers on homes and check to see if they’re being removed as a means for determining whether or not the house is vacant. If the flier isn’t removed, the burglar knows the homeowner isn’t there.
When your family is safe, secure, and fully protected, you will be able to focus on the rest of your life. No longer will you be anxious about what is going on at home while you’re away. This will lead to less stress, better health, and a longer, happier life.
