It is likely that you know someone who has been burglarized at one time. Home invasions are on the rise, and people must be extra diligent with home security. Break-ins happen in all locations. This article talks about some things that you can do to improve its security.
After getting a new home, make sure to change its locks. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.
You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.
When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.
If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.
Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.
Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.
Avoid coming across as overly shy. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Keep on eye on their home and ask neighbors to return the favor. You shouldn’t neglect gossip. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.
Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. Even home security representatives could be intruders who want to check the kind of protection you have.
Keep valuables hidden within the walls. No need to damage your walls. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there.
Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask someone from your security company to come over and have a look. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.
You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. It does not take long for thieves to steal your expensive stuff.
Skylights need to be secure, too. Although skylights provide your home with a lot of light, it is also very helpful for burglars to break in. Skylights need to be installed correctly and safely, with hardware that will keep intruders out.
Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. This is just one more thing you can do to protect your home.
If you have just bought any pricey new goods, never toss the boxes onto the curb prior to the garbage man’s arrival. If you set these boxes out with the trash, thieves will know you have expensive items in your house.
Even the wires inside your home are worth something. People don’t realize this until it is stolen. The copper inside the wire is very valuable and may be stripped off the exterior of the house in a short time span. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.
Just moved in? Time for new locks! While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.
If you are moving into a new home, change the locks right away. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.
If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, the first thing you should do is change the locks. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. You can change the locks yourself if you’re feeling really industrious.
Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. Conduct background checks if necessary. There is no way of knowing whether or not service people are honest, so you should not give them keys to your home.
Check references before giving anyone access to your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.
If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. It’s best to know about these fees in advance so that you can avoid them when possible.
When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.
You should find a home security company that will inspect your home and put together a customized system. Every person has specific needs and wants when dealing with securing your family, home, and items. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.
Ask the home security company about how long they’ve been running prior to signing up. A company that has been in business for several years has shown that they can sustain in this industry and proven they provide reliable services that people recommend. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.
Consider purchasing a wireless security system for your home. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. Wireless systems are easier to install and maintain, and they do not rely on the power in your home to work correctly.
A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Be sure and shade your windows with window frosting, something that you can purchase at any hardware store, so as to keep people from looking in your house. Do not leave doors open for lengthy periods while you are doing work.
If you are going on a vacation, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and check your home for flyers. Burglars sometimes tack these up and watch to see whether or not they are removed. By your neighbor taking the flyer, it appears as if you got it yourself.
Do not put electronic boxes in the front of your house. Burglars can see these and they know that you have them in your home, increasing your chances of a break-in. Cut the boxes up when they are empty.
See if your security firm offers a variety of contract lengths. These lengths can be both good and bad. You might pay less each month for longer contracts, but it has its deterrents as well. A shorter term allows for flexibility, but it might be expensive.
Can you read your house numbers clearly from the street? The police will find it difficult to locate your home quickly if your address numbers are difficult to see. Fortunately, it doesn’t require much to fix this problem.
Don’t have spring latch locks installed. Just one credit card can get a burglar access to your home. Burglars just slip a card between the latch and the door, causing the lock mechanism to open. Add a deadbolt to doors with spring-latch locks.
Be sure not to use your birthday as the password on your door lock’s numeric key pad. Anyone can easily get your birthday from a Facebook profile or your driver’s licence. Try making the number one that can be remembered by doing a match equation in order to remember that equation instead.
Ask if your company offers options to both buy and lease your security equipment. While you will pay more to buy, you don’t have to keep paying for it month after month. Leasing is usually cheaper, but monthly fees can be high and you will need a contract. Look at what you can afford, as well as what is offered and make an informed choice.
If you have an established routine for turning your lights on and off, consider investing in a timer. This makes it easier for you as you won’t have to flip the switch, but it also ensures the lights continue to go on and off, even if you’re not at home for a long period of time.
Don’t keep your car registration inside the glove compartment. The reason is that anyone who sees them will immediately have your home address. Hold these documents in person so you know where they are at all times. However, make sure you have them in case you were to get pulled over by the cops.
If you have valuable items that cannot be replaced, you must keep them under lock and key. It is best to keep items such as passports, legal documents, photos and financial records in a spot that is secure. Keeping such valuables under lock and key (in a floor safe, for example) is a good way to provide the extra protection they need. To be even more cautious, you can get a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Install a hard-wired system if you want to minimize maintenance costs. The wireless ones are convenient, however, they need multiple battery sets that must be changed frequently. Also, your home will not be protected if you neglect to use fresh batteries. Replacing several batteries will quickly add up.
If you have windows into your living room that open to the street, always draw your curtains in the evening. You wouldn’t want strangers leering into your home. Burglars may see something valuable, which will tempt them to steal. Minimize your chances of burglary by minimizing what in your home is visible to the public.
A timer can help you regulate when you turn the lights off or on in the evening. This makes your life a bit easier, and it means that your lights will still be lit even if you are away from long periods of time.
Remember that burglaries happen in all kinds of homes, from modest to luxurious. If your home looks vulnerable, it’s a target. Follow the advice below to make sure your house and family are safe and secure.
Secure any valuables which can’t be replaced. This includes important documents, jewelry and keepsakes. A great choice for keeping these items in your home is a floor safe. For ultimate security, of course, such items can be kept in an off-site location like a bank’s safe deposit boxes.
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