Home Security Tips
Keeping your home safe from intrusion by criminals is important to your health and well being. The tips below will help keep your home safe while you’re away and may save you money on your insurance premiums as well.
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Illumination
Darkness and shadows are a burglar’s best friend. Use a light-timer to periodically switch on lights to give a “lived-in” appearance when you’re not home. The use of motion-sensing floodlights will also make it harder for a home invader. -
Install Quality Locks
Use of deadbolt locks makes it harder for a burglar to force his way in. -
Entry Doors Should Be Made Of Steel.
Also, your door hinges should be secured to the door frame with at least 2.5 inch long screws, making it much harder for an intruder to kick the door in. -
Security System
A full-service monitored security system will deter burglars even further (always place the security “sticker” in your window). Although neither are guaranteed to absolutely protect your home, the longer it takes a burglar to enter, the less likely he’ll keep trying. In addition the monitoring station will call the police or fire department if a problem is suspected. -
Consider Visibility Factors
Can you look inside your window and see that CD player, silverware collection and Ming vase? If so, chances are a burglar could too, giving him more of a reason to target your home! Keep valuables out of view and keep blinds and drapes closed. High fences, trees and shrubs can provide cover for burglars as they attempt to invade your home. Sacrifice the privacy for better visibility from the street.
Coupled with ample lighting, your would-be burglar is an obvious darkly dressed person on your lawn! -
Daytime Security
Burglaries often occur between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM in the afternoon when neighborhoods are empty. Children are in school, adults are at work, or involved in other activities, providing a perfect time for a burglar to work without being noticed. Never leave doors or windows unlocked, even when you leave home to go next door, or to the store for just a short time. -
Keep Valuables Safe
Keep valuable belongings (jewelry, papers, certificates, etc.) out of sight. If possible, keep them in a safety deposit box away from your home. Other valuable items like TVs and stereos should be engraved with your social security or driver’s license number, which will help police identify your property if it is stolen and subsequently recovered. -
Keep an Accurate Inventory of Valuables
Record all serial numbers/ID numbers of all of your valuables in an organized manner. Make video tapes of the information as you describe the items. Keep copies if a safety deposit box or give them to a trusted friend for safekeeping. A complete list of your belongings will allow you to get better compensation when a claim is made. -
Ask a Neighbor For Help When Away
A trusted neighbor is probably the best resource you have for deterring burglary. They can continue an illusion of your presence by following your “lived-in” routine: turn lights on/off appropriately, collect mail, newspapers, etc. -
Get a Dog
Other than a neighbor, a god is probably one of the best deterrents to would be thieves. Dogs often bark in alert when strangers come around. Certain dogs are trained to guard their fenced lawns. If you own a dog and weather permits, leave your dog outdoors where he will immediately detect trespassers. -
Use Props
Although unorthodox, anything to give the appearance of protection or activity in your home is better than nothing!
- Place a home security system sticker in your window even though you don’t have one. The sticker may be enough to cause a invader to pass your home.
- Attach a length of rope/chain to a tree or stake in the yard, even if you don’t have a dog. Add some food dishes (half eaten) and a big bone. A “Beware of Dog” sign on your fence will add to the illusion.
- Make sure your answering machine merely says that you’re “not available” instead of “you’re not home” and when you will return.
- Have a neighbor use your driveway for his/her car while your gone on extended trips. Make sure that it is a car that is used and moved in order to make it look like it is being driven by someone that is staying in your home.