Home security is important for several reasons. Your home is the most important thing in your life. It is the sanctuary in which you place the most trust to store your valuables, your family, and your LIFE. Here are some good tips to help you protect yourself and your family.
The highest number of crimes against home security is in burglary. Statistically, every 15 seconds a burglary occurs in the United States. Thieves attempt to break into homes generally during the day and when no one is home. They may stake out your home and watch for people’s schedules of when they are unlikely to be home. One of the best things you can do to prevent a burglary is to make it difficult for the thief to enter your home.
Exterior Doors Locks
You should have high-quality doors and locks. Grade 1 or 2 locks are high quality and resistant to being pried or twisted open, and a high-quality deadbolt is also a must. The exterior doors should be metal or solid-core material to prevent breaking down of the actual door. Heavy duty door strike plates mounted to the interior of the door may strengthen attempts to kick in a door.
Sliding Glass and Windows
Sliding glass doors are a weak point. You can strengthen them by using a blocking device on the door such as a wooden dowel or metal bar. You should also place decals on the glass that warn of alarm systems or dogs present in the house. Windows are also a weak point, and blocking devices similar to those used for sliding glass doors should be used as a deterrent. Here, again, warning decals may give the burglar a second opinion – do not enter! An open window is an open invitation to a burglar. Be sure your bars can be easily removed in the case of an emergency, such as a fire, in which someone needs to get out of the house.
Lighting
Light timers are a good idea if you won’t be home during the evening, in order to give would-be criminals a sign that someone is home. Exterior lighting is important too, so that burglars may be more easily spotted by someone. Bright exterior lights that extend out about 100 feet from the premises are ideal here.
Alarm Security Systems
Alarm systems are also an effective deterrent because thieves don’t want to get caught by the authorities. You should have decals on windows and glass doors, and lawn signs that may serve as a warning. Don’t write the alarm disable code anywhere near the outside where it can be easily disabled. Your alarm system should be audible if triggered for maximum efficacy.
Neighbors
Lastly, neighbors can work wonders when it comes to prevention of home intrusion. Neighborhood watch systems are a great way to get to know your neighbors and keep everyone on watch for suspicious activity. Keep up good communication with your neighbors to establish trust.
In the unfortunate scenario in which your home is broken into, have a safe with your important valuables mounted solidly to the floor, and record serial numbers on electronics to be able to identify them if they turn up locally.