Home Security 101
Home security is an important topic for everyone because home burglaries can sometimes happen due to neglect from homeowners and renters. To prevent break-ins, you must take time to ensure you are doing the things that will help prevent burglaries as much as possible. By controlling access, providing visibility, and maintaining your property, you are not only protecting your belongings and home, but also yourself and your family.
One of the easiest steps to take is to make sure your doors and windows are locked in your home and automobiles. This step is important as easy access will invite bad news and bad people. Turn on or install lights outside your doorstep area so that your home is well-lit at night. Thieves will frequent dark areas because they are less likely to be caught and if lit it is harder for them to run away unseen.
Many homeowners own pets and if you are a dog person, a barking dog can also help to warn away thieves. If not a dog person, or for additional security you can install a home security/alarm system. A home security especially with cameras or even a Ring doorbell would be a great thing to have as it keeps tabs on people coming and going to help you keep an eye out for unwanted visitors and behavior even when you are not at home.
Be smart about who you let in your homes, sometimes even a gardener or maid might have other motives and can’t be trusted. Keep a close eye on anyone you hire to work in your home and keep valuables secured and out of sight. Visibility is key as keeping valuables out of sight will lessen the chance of them becoming a target. If hiring contractors to work longer term in your home, it is always a great idea to have them complete a background check or ask for references to check them out further.
You should also take measures to protect yourself if something does still happen unfortunately. Take detailed pictures of all valuables that you own with detailed information so that you have it should something happen. If you can write on your valuables, you could even write your driver’s license number on it so that if stolen they can be identified. Keeping a good record is key!
Another great way to ward off potential burglars is to get to know your neighbors. Getting to know your neighbors can help tremendously as you look out for one another. Especially if you are going on vacation for an extended period of time, your neighbors can help keep a closer eye on your home. Some criminals even go through your trash, so be careful with what you throw away. Shred important documents or if you buy a new TV break down the box so that it is not announcing to potential thieves that you have a new tv for them to come and take! Keeping your home well-kept on the outside by trimming bushes and eliminating potential hiding spots for thieves are always a good ideas, as well! A well-kept home also signifies that the home is lived in and that you are not away for an extended period of time.
There are many other resources you can look in to regarding home security such as your local police department or neighborhood crime watch. You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your home and family!