If you're a female who is living alone, home security is likely very important to you. Instead of staying afraid, there are simple steps you can take to feel better. Read on and learn all there is about home security.
Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Put a key on the dog's collar so you have access to it when necessary!
You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. Make sure you check references. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.
Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.
Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A phone which rings forever is a sign to burglars that you're not there.
Be bold. Talk to your neighbors. You'll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they'll respond in kind. Don't ignore the gossip. You could learn important security information, such as if strangers have been lurking around the neighborhood.
You can hide certain valuables within your walls. You don't have to damage the walls to do so. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.
Just moved in? Time for new locks! Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone's true intentions. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.
Moving into an apartment or home that you've lived in should involve changing the locks first to maker them safer. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.
Don't let any service people into your home without checking their references completely. It wouldn't hurt to also perform a background check. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.
Keep safety in mind when doing landscaping. Don't provide burglars with cover by planting big shrubs in front of your doors and windows. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. If you want to have a garden around your home, keep trees and shrubs away from your house.
Make sure your home's exterior is well lit. Dark houses invite burglars who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.
Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. A thief looking through your discarded papers can find a lot of information you do not want them to have. They may even learn your schedule, so they can burgle your home while you are away. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.
Put the boxes of any expensive electronic items in your trash can so would-be burglars won't know see them. Don't advertise that you have expensive new equipment! Break down the empty boxes whenever possible.
Glove Compartment
Avoid keeping auto registration in your glove compartment. Otherwise, anyone who can get into your glove compartment can find out where you live. Keep them on you or hide them somewhere else in your vehicle. You still need to have them close in case you are pulled over.
Always store your irreplaceable valuables in a secure place. Legal and financial documentation, IDs, pricey jewelry, and important mementos like family albums should be protected as carefully as possible. You can keep these things in a floor safe placed in a secure area of your home. To be even more cautious, you can get a safety deposit box at your local bank.
If you have a living room window that faces the street, draw your curtains at night. There is no need to have outsiders looking into your living room. If the crooks can see what you own, then they are going to target you next. Do not grant outsiders a full view of your entire home and your belongings.
An alarm system can be a powerful way to make your home more secure, as long as it actually notifies the authorities when it's tripped. Get an alarm that is centrally monitored to ensure that when it sounds, the police arrive. You really cannot depend on your neighbor to contact the police.
Common security problems in homes include sliding glass doors. They can be unlocked with a bit if jiggling. You have to secure them, so use a piece of pipe in the track. This keeps the door shut tightly and makes it difficult to force it open.
Establish some good relations with your neighbors. If there is someone lurking around your house, your neighbors can be your eyes when you are not home. Stay on their good side and they will be sure to let you know if they see anything suspicious.
You don't need expensive equipment in order to keep your home secure. Many easier, cheaper methods exist that can make a big difference. Keep these tips top of mind to help you feel much safer in your house.