Plow & Hearth



Home Security - What You Need To Do!

by Jeffrey Parker

Most burglaries occur when a home is empty. This is why it is of most importance to secure your home before vacation. A burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds according to the FBI database. A large number of burglaries can be prevented by installing a home security system.

One of the easiest and effective courses of action that instantly boosts the security of your home and family is to install a home security alarm and surveillance camera. Home security monitoring options are available with a lot of these home security devices. Additional preventative measures do need to be put into practice as the installation of these products does not ensure you'll be exempt from trouble. Less expensive options include installing motion sensor lighting around your home. While external security is great, there is a lot you can do to increase security inside of your home. After checking the locks on all doors and windows, replace any that are deficient. Don't think it won't happen at my home, it does and it will.

Patio sliding doors offer the opportunistic burglar just what he is looking for easy access. To make your sliding door more secure consider installing a blocking device such as a "Charlie bar" or some other type of track blocker to prevent the door from sliding open. At the very least you should block the track with a steel rod or wooden dowel to prevent any movement.

Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables including such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, vehicles and any other item that requires a key. You should also hide any personal documents and identity information in your home safe as well. If you don't have a home safe consider using a safety deposit vault especially if you live in a high crime area.

Giving the impression someone is at home is a great way to discourage a burglar and is key to improving home security. This can be achieved by using timers in various rooms to turn lights and appliances off and on at varying times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.

There are other precautions you can take, such as stopping delivery of the mail and the newspaper. If you have two cars, park one in the driveway; you can also ask a neighbor to park there during your absence. Find a trusted neighbor or relative, give him a key, and have him check on the house while you're gone. And don't leave an away message announcing your absence to the world.

Make sure that all of your tools and equipment are put away and under lock and key. Something as simple as a ladder being left out is an invitation to a burglar to enter an upper story window. You can never make your home completely secure, but the harder you make it for the burglar, the more likely he is to go somewhere else.

One of the easiest and effective courses of action that instantly boosts the security of your home and family is to install a home security alarm and Home Security Cameras. A large number of these burglaries could be prevented by installing a Home Security System.

Published November 19th, 2008

Filed in Home


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