The business of home security market is rather large. Burglaries are commonplace in neighborhoods across the country. Burglars tend to choose houses that seem relaxed with their security. Read this article to learn how to get your home safer and keep intruders away.
Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.
Your faithful dog can safeguard an extra key. This will only be ideal if you have a dog can come outside. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.
If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. Intruders could easily break into your garage and access your home. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.
Check out their references very carefully. If the person is an employee of a firm, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.
During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.
Do you keep your dog outside if you are away from home? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your extra key. Put the key on their collar. This works especially well as storage if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.
When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.
Home security systems have different kinds of features besides having an alarm sound. Many systems sound an alert whenever anyone has entered your home. This isn’t just for parents with young children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.
Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.
Don’t post information about your vacations on the web. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.
It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. They give you and your family the opportunity to move around should the electricity go out. This can come in handy if someone has cut your power and is attempting to break in.
Turn the ringer off on your phones if you are going to be away. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not there.
If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. Even if you’ve gotten a key from the previous owner or tenant, there could still be a lot of people out there who have keys to your home. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.
Some people feel that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Some think burglaries are less prevalent in rural areas.
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. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.
It is very common for thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to get into your home. This can put your belongings and your family. Be careful if you want to avoid any potential dangers.
Keeping your house bright and lit at night will deter many crooks. They don’t want anyone to see them. A well-lit home is like a red flag to a burglar. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.
Always check references before letting anyone you are considering hiring to do work on your home. You should do background check as well to find out their criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.
Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your home. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.
Be certain to read the fine print to any contracts you hire a security company. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or need additional equipment. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so know about them up front.
Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. Setting up hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. Many surveillance systems can even be accessed via cell phone, allowing you to check up on your home when you are away.
Never enter your house if you arrive and find the door is open or something doesn’t feel right. This can be quite dangerous because the burglar may still be on your home. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait outside for them to get there.
If you purchase a new, pricey electronic like a TV or computer, don’t leave the empty box near your curb. Burglars can see these and they know that you have them in your home, increasing your chances of a break-in. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.
Thieves often be found looking through garbage cans to be a gold mine of personal information found on bills and credit card slips. Rip your important documents in small pieces before throwing them away if you do not have a shredder.
Make sure you have the curtains drawn if your windows are faced toward the street. You want to avoid having people peek in the windows. If the crooks can see what you own, then they are going to target you next. Keep your possessions out of the public eye to minimize your chances of becoming a burglary victim.
Make sure no one can look inside your garage isn’t visible. Don’t leave doors open for long lengths of time when you are working there.
Home alarms are a good investment, but only when someone who hears it calls the cops. Your best option is an alarm system that is monitored centrally so the police will be dispatched when the alarm sounds. You don’t want to have to rely on just your neighbors.
You may have locks that work using a code. You can even install these locks yourself or have them professionally installed.
A sliding glass door can make your home less secure. The glass doors can easily be unlocked or broken. If you don’t have an alarm set up for them, use pipe cut to fit at the door channel. This will help keep the door tightly closed and make it hard to open.
Spring Latch
Deadbolts with captive keylocks are the best locks on the market. The devices are equipped with thumb latches that prevent people from reaching around to open the lock via a an adjacent broken window. Put the key into the lock when home so you can get away if there is a fire.
Don’t utilize spring latch variety. These locks are easy to break into since they may be opened easily with a credit card. Intruders just have to slide a card in between the latch and the door. Add a deadbolt if you do not want to replace your spring latch locks for maximum security.
Indoor locks are nice, but outdoor locks are better. The best lock that you can choose are deadbolt locks, and the ones that have keys on both sides so that it cannot be opened by thieves are the ultimate choice.
Ask the company if they offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying outright costs a lot more in the beginning, but it means a one time cost that does not continue every month. Leasing usually proves cheaper at first, but it may involve contracts and higher monthly fees. Look into both choices to know which one is better for you.
Owning a big, scary dog has many benefits. Obviously, burglars will be afraid of being attacked by a large dog. Consider getting your family an animal companion that can contribute to the security of the home in addition to being a lovable pet.
Replace your doors with solid wood or metal versions.Metal and solid wooden doors cannot be broken. A would-be intruder will have much more trouble getting through one of these than a solid wood or a metal door. The cost of replacing these doors is worth it in the end.
Regardless of who may have lived in your house before you, it is important to change all of the locks. If you’re renting, ask the landlord to re-key the lock for you.
Maintaining a secure residence is important to ensure the safety of your family. Crime can strike when it is least expect. By using the information you’ve just read, you can make a more secure home environment. Don’t wait. Get to work today!
Clean out all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Your detectors will not function properly if they are covered in lint or in dust. This means they won’t be as effective at protecting you from harmful carbon monoxide or smoke.
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