There should be nowhere as safe as your home. It should be safe when they come home. You can get really good advice and a host of quality tips in the following article, and if you want to know how to protect your home then keep reading.
Put your spare key on your dog. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.
You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. It is best to do a reference check on them. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.
Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.
Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? This is a good spot for keeping your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.
If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Carefully check their references. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.
When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.
A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.
If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.
Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Stopping fire hazards is a key precaution to take since the damage it causes can be considerable.
Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This will give your home added security. Keeping fire hazards away is a great safety precaution since fire can cause lots of destruction.
Don’t open your door for strangers. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.
Secure your attached garage. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. If your garage lifts up on a track, try using a C-clamp. This will prevent your door from opening up if the clamp is close to its roller.
Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.
In the summer, remove vegetation and dead wood from your yard. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.
Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. You are allowing people to invade your home when you make it easy for them. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Instead, give your extra key to a neighbor whom you trust.
Local Police Department
Hide your security system’s wiring. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. You’ll be safer.
See what your local police department offers in terms of home protection programs. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.
If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. There might be hidden costs or other things you should know about. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.
If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.
Be sure to get a home security service that will inspect your home and tailor a home security system just for you. Everyone has specific wants and needs when it comes to securing their home, family and belongings. If you’ve found a company that can tailor a system to you, you can receive the greatest amount of security to make you feel much more comfortable.
Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.
Put up video surveillance. You can make a huge difference in your home’s security by putting in cameras whether they’re concealed or out in the open. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, which lets you look in on your house when away.
When moving into your new house, change every lock. The previous owner may be perfectly respectable, but you can’t know that for sure. Keep in mind that other families might have lived with them, too.
Discourage burglars by making your garage windows opaque. Cover your windows with frosting; this could be purchased at hardware stores. They prevent people from peeking inside. Also keep your garage door closed whenever possible, especially if you will be stepping away from it for an extended period of time.
Buy flashlights with strong batteries and make sure there is one in each room in case of power outages. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.
Can you read your house numbers while in the street? During an emergency crisis, smaller numbers prevent emergency personnel from finding your home quickly. Just replace them if you need to.
When about to sign a contract with any home security firm, read all the small print. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. You’ll want to avoid any surprises so be sure and read your contract carefully.
If you have rooms that are off limits to kids and company, the following is a great solution. There are key-less locks that open with a push-button security code. Either you can install them or home security companies can.
Landscape around your home with an eye to safety. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. Plan these features for further away from your home.
Ask about different contract lengths that your home security company may offer. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.
There’s an easy way to secure interior doors (if there are areas you want to keep housemates and children out of) without obliging you to carry a key-ring around at all times. Instead, use a numeric keypad. You can install them yourself or you can hire a home security firm.
Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying equipment can be pricey upfront, but it’s a single cost versus a monthly cost. The initial cost of leasing may seem low, but you may be required to sign a long term contract and it may carry a higher monthly fee. Pick the option that suits your particular situation best.
When checking out security companies, ask whether they allow you to choose between buying or leasing the system. Buying your equipment may cost more initially, however it can actually save you money over time. Sometimes it’s more affordable to begin with a lease, even though a continued lease may be costly in terms of ongoing higher monthly fees. You need to think about each option to think about what is right for your home.
Don’t keep your car registration in the glove box of your car. If someone accesses these documents, they can determine your address. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. However, make sure you have them in case you were to get pulled over by the cops.
If you keep a spare key outside, make sure it is not kept in an obvious location. Is anybody really fooled by those fake rocks? Not likely. The doormat is the first place someone will look. The best idea is just to ask a friend or neighbor to hang on to a key for you. If you cannot do that, try to be creative when it comes to hiding places.
It’s very important to close your curtains in the evening, especially where your home faces the street. Don’t let anyone see inside. If the crooks can see what you own, then they are going to target you next. Make sure you’re discreet concerning your belongings so you can keep your chances of being robbed at a minimum.
Always keep your irreplaceable valuables secure. Items such as family photos, passports, legal documents, expensive jewelry and financial records need to be placed at a secure location. A floor safe can keep these items safe. It is even better to rent a safe deposit container for absolute security.
See if your security firm offers lighting that is motion-sensitive. This will illuminate the exterior of your home anytime someone approaches. This will ward off thieves and make you feel safe when you come home.
A home alarm might be a good investment. Even better is to purchase alarms that are monitored centrally, so that the police are automatically contacted. You can’t rely on your neighbors to call.
The best locks to choose are deadbolts which have captive keylocks. These devices include a thumb latch so that no one can reach around and open the lock through a broken window nearby. When a home, leave keys in the lock; that way, you can escape quickly.
When it comes to expert advice, you now have a plethora of choices at your disposal. How are you going to use it for your home? Stay abreast of new developments in the field and learn everything you need to know about home security.
Women who live alone or along with children are the most likely targets for burglary. Put muddy boots on the doorstep so that it appears there is a big man that lives in your home. This keeps those criminals away for sure.
Blue widgets is a complex topic, which is why you should take the time to research it some more. Luckily, this piece includes all you require to move forward successfully. Get out there and implement this information.
About The Author
