There isn't a whole lot in this world that we can control. But one thing we can take charge of is feeling secure in our homes. Our homes are where we live our lives, where we keep our most treasured memories and keepsakes; of course we want to keep them, and our loved ones that live there, safe. These tips are a great starting point to helping you achieve greater peace of mind regarding the safety of your home and loved ones.
Light Things Up
Making sure that the outside of your home is lit is a great way to deter would-be burglars. Lit entry-ways and motion sensor lights are wonderful because they allow you to see who is entering your home. Be sure to replace bulbs as they burn out and fix or replace any lights that don't work!
Check Your Windows, Door and Locks
You'd be surprised how many intruders gain access to a house through the use of an unlocked door or window. Prevent this from happening, but checking that your doors and windows are all securely locked. Deadbolts and steel outer doors can help keep your home secure. For sliding glass doors and windows, you can easily secure them by placing a piece of wood in them to prevent them from being opened.
Remain Observant and Be a Friendly Neighbor
Getting to know your neighbors can help provide a sense of peace and community. If your neighborhood doesn't already have one, consider starting a neighborhood watch where each person can help each other out by looking out for one another. If you can start an open dialogue with your neighbors about crime, it then become easy to chat with each other if someone sees something that is out of the ordinary or unusual.
Don't Advertise to the Entire World That You Are Going on a Cruise (Or Any Trip!)
With social networking it can be easy to over share information that is better left private. While you may want to let a trusted neighbor know that you will be out of town so that they can keep an eye out for unusual activity, you don't want to let everyone know that no one will be home. If you are looking for someone to pet sit, take care of your lawn or provide some other service, be vague about advertising which dates you will be gone.
While you are gone you can also make it look like someone is home. You can use timers to control lights within your home, turn the tv on and off, and otherwise make it seem like there is someone there. You may want to also consider putting a hold on any deliveries or mail, or having a trusted friend stop by to pick up any packages so they are not left out in the open.
Consider Getting a Dog
Many of is consider our furry 4-legged companions a part of our family, but a dog can also be a great deterrent to burglars. Dogs are great at sounding the alarm and letting you know when someone is outside. Speaking of alarms...
Install a Security System
Security systems come in a all shapes and sizes nowadays. Some silently contact the police, while others emit a loud noise to let you know an intruder is on the premises. Some alarm systems come with motion sensors and even video surveillance and with all the options there is something to fit in every budget. Posting a sign that a security system is in use can also help ward off intruders.
Don't Leave Your Valuables In Plain Sight
Keep your keys in a secure place inside your home that is not easily visible from the outside. Likewise don't keep your purse or other valuables in any location that might be easily seen or accessed by an intruder. Leaving these items by your front door (or worse, in your car parked in the driveway!) is like an open invitation to anyone walking by to go ahead and take your things.
Keep Things Safe by Storing Them In A....Safe
A home safe can be an excellent investment. Along with a place to store valuables, you can also use it to store important legal documents such as Deeds, Wills, Passports, and any other treasured items. Many safes are also fire and water-proof proving them to be invaluable not only in the event of a robbery bust also in cases of fire or flood. While safes are generally pretty difficult to move due to their size and weight you can also bolt them down to make them even more secure.
With just a few simple steps, you can help keep your home secure and make sure that your loved ones and precious belonging remain safe. And don't forget, for help with all your real estate needs look no further than RE/MAX Professionals, your local experts.
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