Staying Safe in Your New Home
Staying Safe in Your New Home
Keep your doors and windows locked.
This may seem obvious but this basic aspect of home security is one too many people don't take seriously. They might think "I live in a small town with very little crime", or they may not realize how fast burglaries can happen. But even if you live in the best neighbourhood, don't let down your guard.
Even if it's just a quick trip, unlocked doors are almost an invitation. Potential thieves can make out with valuable belongings in mere minutes if they don't have to deal with a lock. With just a simple twist of the wrist, thieves can enter your home and begin taking everything they want.
If you are changing the locks, ask your locksmith whether or not the strike plate needs to be changed as well. A strike plate helps keep the door closed as it uses long screws to reinforce the door frame and make it harder to break down the lock system.
When you move in, it's a good idea to install new locks on every entry point. If you have a shed or something similar, installing a sturdy lock will prevent the spaces from becoming a security hazard where burglars can hide in to wait out opportune times to break into your home. This also applies to your garage doors.
Install a security system that will alert you when something is amiss in the house.
Protecting your family from harm should be a priority. You can't expect to do so without a home alarm system that will immediately notify you if someone has somehow managed to get into your house and is endangering yourself and the ones you love. A security system with high-quality equipment and sensors will help shield your assets, as well as your most prized possession: your family.
Investing in an alarm system with real-time alerts that sends updates to your phone and the alarm company is a good idea. What will happen in the case of an alarm going off is that the company will try to contact you, if that fails or they detect suspicious activity, they can send the police in to intervene. Break-ins occur at any time of the day or night and your home security system should always be ready.
Home security systems often have you using a security code or password to verify your identity, make sure that these are memorized only by the people living in the home. Don't write it next to the home security keypad.
Sometimes a security company will give you a little security sign that you can put in your yard or near your front door. Crime prevention involves a lot of deterrence. If your home looks like an easy target, it will look more appealing to potential intruders whereas a smart home fitted with video surveillance systems and motion detectors will discourage them. Your first line of defence is perception.
Install outdoor lighting for safety at night time.
Speaking of motion detectors and video surveillance, the added security of motion detector lighting adds a big layer of prevention.
It would be a waste of electricity to keep the lights on all throughout every night so the motion activation will help you save energy. You can also set up motion-activated security cameras to keep an eye on your property easily. Other than the odd ghost or raccoon, or ghost-raccoon, these security measures allow you to safely take a look at some things that may not be picked up by security systems.
Orient cameras towards specific areas like your back door, the yard, little nooks and crannies, and other important areas. If you can, treat both your garage door and the door leading into your home as separate entry points.
Proper outdoor lighting will also make you feel safer if you want to spend time outside at night. Home safety doesn't mean cutting yourself off from the things you enjoy.
Be aware of who is around you when leaving and entering the property.
If something seems suspicious, do not enter your home. If you keep your garage locked, protect vulnerable entry points like a low window, or have a lock on all your exterior doors - you still need to get in and out of your home.
Though burglars prefer homes that are easy targets, protected homes are not risk-free. That's why you should keep a lookout when entering or exiting your home. If you see people waiting for you to get home, do not enter. Some brazen burglaries occur in those moments. Keep your garage door opener handy and don't lose it to make sure you stay safe when entering or exiting your house.
Get to know your neighbours.
Of course, you will probably have people around who are supposed to be there, like your neighbours.
No need to have them over every other day but having a good relationship can really help protect your home. Community safety creates an invisible barrier that most burglars won't cross. Most home security tips will fail to mention this because it's not something that seems real enough but having good neighbour relations is something that can work better than even the best alarm systems.
Be sure to return the favour when you can!
Secure terraces and balconies.
If you have large outdoor areas, especially if they have stairs leading from the ground to a higher floor, look at how you can install some additional protection. Large windows or glass doors look great but if you don't secure the area around them they become a security risk.
Add tasteful see-through grates and gates with locks. A security camera as an added piece of home security in those areas can be very valuable, more so than on other doors and windows.
If you're making big changes to the layout of your house, get in touch with your home security company to update your home security system. Additional doors and windows mean more entry points that you will need to secure.
Keep track of who has access to your house.
If other people need to have access to your house, make sure that you can monitor how often they access your house and why. All the home security tips in the world won't be useful if you give someone your keys. A video security system can help after the fact but it won't prevent the damage done.
Know who has access to your property and take action if they shouldn't have it.
There's always room for improvement.
You can upgrade your home security if you find out what needs improvement first. Home automation can be a worthwhile investment, a system that deals with closing the garage door automatically for example or has built-in fire protection systems on top of a break-in alarm system can help protect your expensive jewelry and keep better control over your house. Automated text messages for when you're away from home to alert you about a potential break-in will do a lot more for your peace of mind than pouring over crime reports.
Other things you can do for home safety.
You can get a dog, get yourself some self-defence classes or learn how to use pepper spray. If home security has got you down, knowing how to protect yourself will go a long way. Alarm systems and having a smart home go a long way to prevent break-ins and even save lives but your top priority at all times shouldn't be valuable items but the safety of your family.
Home security means getting rid of anything that can easily be used as a weapon. The harder it is for people to harm you, the better you're going to sleep at night. Take a look around before going to bed and make sure that you will be able to rest easy.
Get rid of any high-risk items.
You may want to get rid of things like ladders or tall furniture that can be used as steps for burglars. If no one can easily reach something in your home it has less value to a burglar. If you use a ladder for yard work, be sure to keep it somewhere behind a locked door.
Make sure your doors are properly maintained.
Broken down doors make it easy for burglars to take advantage of you. Make sure all of your exterior and interior doors work properly before you go to bed at night. If something needs replacing, don't put it off any longer than necessary!
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