Straight Talk About Security
Security isn't complicated. There are many simple things you can do to improve your home's security.
Start with Quality Locks
If you've just moved to a new house, change the locks. You don't know who might have a key. This is not a place to skimp; good locks are worth the added expense. A lock with a deadbolt is much harder to defeat. Make sure window latches close securely and replace any that don’t work correctly. It’s also a good idea to double-check first floor doors and windows prior to going to bed each night.
Everyone Loves Shrubs - ESPECIALLY Burglars
Large bushes provide easy cover for a burglar to hide. Trim the shrubs and bushes around your home, especially near doors and windows.
Light Your Home
Install external lighting around your home. You don't want to be surprised by someone when you're walking from the car to the front door. It’s also a good idea to install timers or motion sensors for both inside and outside lights.
Don't Say "I'm Not Home"
If you're not home, turn on a few lights and leave a TV or stereo on. Lights and noise make it seem like someone is home and will deter would-be burglars from approaching the house.
If you're on vacation, make sure your home looks lived in. Have someone mow the lawn, pick up the mail and newspapers and look for delivered packages. Park a car in the driveway instead of the garage, or have a neighbor park there. In the winter, be sure to have someone shovel snow and make tire tracks in the driveway.
Take Care of the Dangers Inside
Make sure the inside of your house is protected from dangers as well. The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom. Change smoke alarm batteries once per year – many people use daylight savings time as a reminder. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible. Lock cleaning and pool chemicals from small children and install childproof latches. Post a list of emergency contact numbers for police, fire, ambulance, poison control and trusted friends or local family. Lock all prescription drugs and discard them once they have passed their expiration date.
Home Security Systems Do What You Can't
Consider installing a home security system. You're not home all the time, and when you are home, you can't see everything. A good home security system is your 24/7 lifeline to emergency personnel who are always available if you need them.
