HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME NOW

There are simple ways you can keep your home a safe place for your loved ones. Just choose a few at a time and you can increase your safety.

• Why prevention is the best way for home security
• Short on time? Try these Basic Security Precautions
• Security Tips for Families – Comprehensive Guide
• Secure The Garage, Windows, And Doors
• Know Your Neighbors
• Teach Kids About Home Safety
• Plan Ahead When Taking Long Vacations
• Maintain Privacy
• Use Deterrents Such As Security Lights And Dogs

WHY PREVENTION IS THE BEST WAY FOR HOME SECURITY  

Prevention should be your top priority if you want to protect your family from injuries and burglaries since it’s normally the first option. First, look around and check which areas in your home are vulnerable. 

Do you need to upgrade your security system? Do you need to install alarm and smoke sensors?

If you know the weakest points in your home, then you can immediately analyze and improve upon your home’s security and safety. 

EXERCISE THESE BASIC SECURITY PRECAUTIONS  

When you move into a new home, make sure that you consider the basic security that your home “should” need. It’s simple and will benefit you and your family in the long run. Here are some immediate suggestions:

• Look for areas in your home that may be vulnerable to security attacks or breaches. To beat a criminal is to think like one – so you can find the weak points and address them right away.
• Never put your complete first and last names on the mailbox. Instead, use only your initials.
• Make sure that your wireless internet connection is secured at all times. Use a difficult password to protect it.
• Lock your windows and doors every time you come in or leave the house. Most home burglaries happen during the day!
• Work with neighbors to alert one another of any suspicious activity, people, or unfamiliar vehicles in the area.
• Always trim any trees or shrubs near your doors and windows. Keep your lawn well maintained to prevent hiding spots for burglars.
• Be cautious when service people come to your home or anyone you don’t recognize. Ask for their identification and, when in doubt, call the company and ask about the person.

SECURITY TIPS FOR FAMILIES – COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE  

If you have a little more time to really make your home a safe place or have already implemented the basics, consider making improvements in the areas below.

HOME SECURITY

SECURING THE GARAGE, WINDOWS, AND DOORS  

The garage, windows, and doors can be the weakest link in your house if these are not properly secured. Here’s what you can do to beef up your home security:

• Fix door and window frames if you see signs of rot
• Fortify glass doors or windows with security bars and consider security film for first floor windows
• Change door locks when moving to a new home
• Conceal your spare keys in unusual places if hiding them outdoors
• Use high-quality deadbolt locks in all your entry doors (spring-latch locks can be easily opened with a credit card)
• If you have glass sliding doors, make sure to secure it with a metal rod
• Make sure that door hinges are placed inside, not outside, the house
• Reinforce your windows and doors so they won’t be easily opened, this is the number one entry point for burglars
• Cover garage windows and make sure the door is always closed
• Install a C-clamp on your garage door or a lock to make it difficult to open when you’re on long trips
• Add a peephole or a camera that lets you to check on visitors without opening the door
• Make sure that all your tools are concealed or properly hidden so they can’t be used against you
• Consider installing an alarm system to guard your doors and windows

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS  

Getting to know your neighbors can help build a safer neighborhood. Friendly neighbors help in looking out for each other. Your neighbors can help you monitor the surroundings of your home for any suspicious activity. If you need to be on a long vacation, your neighbors can help you watch your home and make it appear someone is living there instead of being empty.

TEACH KIDS ABOUT HOME SAFETY  

Always teach your kids not to open the door to anyone (except parents or grandparents). If the visitor is a family friend, teach your kids to let them wait outside and call you first. 

You should also make sure that children have access to emergency telephone numbers. These include numbers to the nearest police station, fire station, and ambulance.

When teaching kids about home safety and security, it is important that you not only tell them but actually show them how to do it. Role-playing can be a great way to teach young children how to respond properly when strangers come to your home or if there are unexpected emergencies.

PLANNING AHEAD WHEN TAKING LONG VACATIONS  

Thieves love to target an empty house. If you have plans for a long vacation, make sure that you take the necessary steps to prevent burglars from taking advantage of your empty home:

• Never post announcements about your long vacation on social media ahead of time.
• If you have a landline phone, set the volume at a low setting. Unanswered telephone calls are an obvious indicator that no one is home.
• Hire a house sitter to stay or ask a neighbor to visit your home daily while you’re away.
• Use lights and timers to turn on your TV or radio randomly. This will make your home look lived-in even during the night.
• Keep your yard clean and maintained. Trim the shrubs to avoid hiding spots for potential burglars.
• Ask the post office to temporarily suspend sending you mail until you return home.

MAINTAIN PRIVACY  

Keep your home and its valuables away from prying eyes by covering your windows with curtains or blinds and keeping your doors closed at all times. Exercising this option may not be worth the risk to the burglar since they are unable to see what’s in your home.

USE DETERRENTS SUCH AS SECURITY LIGHTS AND DOGS  

Automatic motion lights, dogs and even yard fences are some of the best deterrents for your home. Burglars tend to break inside a home without drawing much attention from you and your neighbors.

Source: https://24-7-home-security.com/