Are you thinking about buying a security system for your home? Often people make this important purchase without thinking about whether or not it is necessary. Small precautions, like locking your windows, can reap big rewards in terms of home safety and may meet your security needs. Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!
Tips for Home Security:
- Change your locks whenever you undergo a major life change. Whether it is moving into a new home or a former relationship moving out, you should always be aware of who has a copy of the keys to your home. You should also change your locks anytime you lose your keys.
- Some people believe the cost of a home security system is prohibitive. However, recent statistics reveal that the average cost of a burglary is nearly three thousand dollars. When this amount is taken into consideration, the cost of a home security system can be justified. There is also the added safety factor of preventing criminals from entering the home.
- Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.
- If your security system alarm goes off and scares the burglar away, you can be fined for a false alarm. If the police send someone to check your property in response to a security alert and no burglar is there, it is considered a false alarm. You can be fined and charged because your security system worked.
How to do Home Security:
- If you need to store firewood, keep it at least 30 yards from your home. This is a combustible item, which can cause serious damage to your home if it catches fire. Buy a shed or isolate a section of your backyard for all items that you need to store that fit this description.
- When it comes to making your home more secure, one obvious place to start is at your front door. If you do not currently have a high-quality lockset on your door, get one installed now. If your lockset does not include a deadbolt, they are inexpensive and a effective way to add security to your exterior doors.
- You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. Cover all street-facing windows.
- Get a family dog to help guard the house when you are away. Dogs not only signify that someone in the house may be home, but also can put fear in the eyes of potential intruders. Do not install doggy doors, as intruders can use these to get into your home.
- Make sure to choose an alarm company that offers monitoring. An alarm that just buzzes if an intruder tries to enter is statistically shown to be mostly ineffective. When you add the additional monitoring however, you have a direct link to someone who can call the police and get you help. There may be an extra charge for a monitored alarm, but it is well worth the cost.
- If you are leaving on vacation, make sure you set some lights on timers so that thieves do not know you are away. If they think you are home, they are less likely to break in. It is much easier for a crook to steal from you when you are not at home.
Final Verdict:
If you want to have a dog at home to deter burglars, do not invest in a guard dogs. These dogs are trained to do their job and are not intended to be loving pets. Instead, pick up a dog at your local shelter, get him obedience training and give him all the love you can. Home security systems can reduce the chance of burglary by a lot Make a few changes to your habits and focus on finding a quality home security system. Knowing your options is definitely the first step.