As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your house is protected. While an alarm system can be very helpful, there are also other things to consider. Read on for some tips to boost your home’s security.
After you buy your new house, get new locks. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.
Be sure that your home is always occupied. You could purchase timers and have your TVs, lights, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.
Security systems are more than just an alarm. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. This is important if you have small kids.
Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.
You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.
You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Preventing a fire is important since it can cause a lot of damage.
During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.
If you will be gone for an extended period, turn the ringers off on all telephones in the home. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.
Have lights that sense motion. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. Motion-sensitive lights will alert you to movement and deter people who want to break into your home. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.
Never open up your door to a stranger. People try many ways to convince others to open up their doors so that they can commit burglary or worse. Make it mandatory that doors in your home are only opened for expected visitors.
You can hide things in your walls. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. Just access unused switch plates, outlets or phone jacks. Installing a false unused plate is very easy to do if your home doesn’t have one.
Security System
Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. Why not take the guts out of an electrical socket you’re not using? You can convert it into a convenient and covert little wall safe.
You need to have your security system checked once a year. Ask someone who works at the security company to do a maintenance check. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.
Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. While you may need to prepare if you have a spare key, it is wise to choose ways that do not increase the risk of a criminal gaining entrance to your home. Burglars always know just where to look. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.
Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home’s security. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. Properly-situated motion detectors will give your home a complete field of protection and make it impossible for a miscreant to approach undetected.
Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.
When hiring a home security company, make sure to read the fine print on the contract you are signing. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.
Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. You would be surprised how many thieves will impersonate security representatives to get into your house. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Caution is always advisable if dangers like this are to be avoided.
Criminals are much less likely to target your home if it’s well lit. Thieves don’t want to be visible. Thieves have a hard time stealing things when there are lots of lights around. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.
Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Conduct background checks if necessary. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.
Now that you have read this, there should be no reason why you are in a home that is not safe. Although it can seem like a hassle, it’s worth protecting your family. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you should be golden.
Have a home security company come to your house and come up with a system that best suits your needs. Every house and every family will produce a unique set of security concerns that are best addressed with tailor-made security arrangements. A custom set-up will make sure you’re as safe as can be.