Home Security Tips

home securityAl Feldman
Keeping your family safe is among one of your top priorities, and it doesn’t end with buying the best safety-rated car, moving to a safer neighborhood, or sending your kids to the safest schools. You can also safeguard your family by making sure your home is secure as well. Check out the following tips to improve your home’s security.

Change Your Locks

There’s no way of knowing how many copies of your house keys are out there when you buy a new home. That’s why it’s important to change your locks as soon as you move in. That way, you can guarantee your family is the only one with copies rather than risking the chance that the previous owner’s friend has a key. You also want to change locks if you lose your keys, even if you have an extra set. It’s better not to risk someone finding your lost keys and using them when you’re not around.

Use Automatic Lights

Numerous benefits come from placing motion-sensor lights near the entrances of your home. For one, they help keep burglars away since many crooks won’t risk being seen. Automatic lights can also keep your family safe in the dark, and can reduce the chance of tripping on objects you can’t see, which will help keep your family safe from injury.

Check All References on People You Hire

Whether you’re looking or a cleaning service to come into your home once a week or you’re seeking a one-time pet sitter while you’re on vacation, it’s important that you’re hiring trust-worthy people. These people have access to your home and could easily steal belongings when you’re not looking. That’s why you should check with their references before hiring, and if they’re sent from a firm, check in on the firm’s reputation.

Be Careful About Where You Hide Your Keys

It’s a common practice to hide a spare key outside the home in case you get locked out or a friend has to stop by when you’re not around. However, hiding a key in a common hiding spot can make it easy for burglars to get inside without anyone noticing. Common hiding spots include: In the mailbox Under the welcome mat Above the lip on the door On a nail behind the garage Under a flower pot Instead, look for an atypical hiding place to keep your spare key. How Stuff Works suggests wrapping your key in foil and burying it where it’s easy to find. Fake hiding rocks can work, too, but make sure the rock is inconspicuous. Most people keep their spare key by the front door. Keep yours somewhere in the back yard, and burglars will be less likely to find it. You could also not hide a key near your home at all, instead relying on trustworthy neighbors or family that lives nearby to keep an extra key.

Install an Alarm System

For the best security option, consider installing an alarm system. Not only will modern alarm systems ward off burglars and alert authorities of dangers around the property, but they can also warn of dangers like gas leaks, fires, and floods. For even more security, add home automation features that will allow you to close the garage door, lock the front door, and check your security cameras all while you’re away from home.

Keep Your Valuables in a Safe

Small, valuable items are the most at risk if a thief bypasses all of your security measures and gains access to your home. Safes can provide increased security for your valuable items, important documents, family heirlooms and more.

Conceal All Wiring

Potential burglars aren’t only looking for easy ways into the house. If you have an alarm system, they could be looking for ways to disable it, so be sure your wiring is secure so they can’t get to it. But it’s not just burglars you have to worry about. You don’t want animals or bad weather to damage wires and disable your security system, either. Keeping your belongings and your family safe doesn’t have to be a constant worry of yours if you put the proper safety measure in place to begin with. What will you do to improve your home’s security?
Tags: Home security