Security Tips from the experts!!!
1. LOCK YOUR DOORS, WINDOWS AND GARAGE
This is easier said than done. Everyone knows that they should lock their doors and windows, but not everyone follows through. Make locking doors a part of you and your family’s daily routine for improved home security
2. SECURE YOUR DOORS WINDOWS AND SHEDS
Locking is not the same as securing. Make sure the locks are secure and can’t be easily broken, and also make sure there are no entrances that could offer a burglar the opportunity to get into your home or shed. This could be as simple as buying a stronger lock, or as extensive as replacing windows and doors.
3. DON’T TEMPT FATE
You’re proud of your new flat screen TV and want everyone to know about it! While it’s fine to brag to friends, be careful where you’re talking, you never know who may be listening. Though you may see it as a showpiece, there is no reason the entire neighborhood should be able to see your valuable new TV through your window. If anyone who passes your house can see your new purchase, you had better believe a burglar would take a note also.
4. LIGHT THE WAY
Having a well-lit path leading to your front door, good lighting outside your home and home entrances and trimmed shrubs that do not obstruct view discourages prowlers from targeting your home. A dark home is an invitation to burglars who don’t want to be seen.
5. CANCEL DELIVERY WHEN OUT OF TOWN
Another sure invitation to a burglar is a big stack of papers or mail outside your door or in your mailbox. Nothing says “I’m away from home” more than a giant pile of newspapers and big packages sitting in the driveway or front door. If you are expecting a delivery while you are traveling, arrange for it to be held by the carrier, or for a neighbor to take care of it.
6. CHANGE LOCKS WHEN MOVING TO A NEW HOME
Just because they owned the same house as you, doesn’t mean they share the same values. By changing locks, you can ensure you won’t have to find out the hard way.
7. YOUR HOUSE KEY IS NOT FIDO’S DOG TAG
A lost, unmarked key is worthless to a thief. Don’t put your address on your keychain – or apartment number. Giving the key and your address to a stranger is like handing them your valuables.
8. DON’T HIDE A KEY OUTSIDE THE DOOR
A lot of people worry about forgetting keys or locking themselves out of their home. Don’t let that worry make you vulnerable to a greater security threat. Most hiding spots aren’t as clever as you think they are, and burglars know all the tricks of the trade. If you hide a key, chances are they have a good idea where to find it.
9. INSTALL A PEEP HOLE IN YOUR FRONT DOOR
Just because they come knocking, doesn’t mean they’re any more trustworthy than someone who comes sneaking. You should never open the door for strangers, and this way you can tell if there is one at your door.
10. SPEED-DIAL IMPORTANT NUMBERS – COPS, FIRE, SCHOOL, POISON CONTROL, ETC.)
This is just as much about personal safety as it is home security. Having a hospital or fire department on speed dial may save your life, and having the police there makes it that much easier in case of a break-in. While 9-1-1 is fast, pushing a single button and putting the phone on speaker may be all the time you have if a burglar gets into your home.
1. LOCK YOUR DOORS, WINDOWS AND GARAGE
This is easier said than done. Everyone knows that they should lock their doors and windows, but not everyone follows through. Make locking doors a part of you and your family’s daily routine for improved home security
2. SECURE YOUR DOORS WINDOWS AND SHEDS
Locking is not the same as securing. Make sure the locks are secure and can’t be easily broken, and also make sure there are no entrances that could offer a burglar the opportunity to get into your home or shed. This could be as simple as buying a stronger lock, or as extensive as replacing windows and doors.
3. DON’T TEMPT FATE
You’re proud of your new flat screen TV and want everyone to know about it! While it’s fine to brag to friends, be careful where you’re talking, you never know who may be listening. Though you may see it as a showpiece, there is no reason the entire neighborhood should be able to see your valuable new TV through your window. If anyone who passes your house can see your new purchase, you had better believe a burglar would take a note also.
4. LIGHT THE WAY
Having a well-lit path leading to your front door, good lighting outside your home and home entrances and trimmed shrubs that do not obstruct view discourages prowlers from targeting your home. A dark home is an invitation to burglars who don’t want to be seen.
5. CANCEL DELIVERY WHEN OUT OF TOWN
Another sure invitation to a burglar is a big stack of papers or mail outside your door or in your mailbox. Nothing says “I’m away from home” more than a giant pile of newspapers and big packages sitting in the driveway or front door. If you are expecting a delivery while you are traveling, arrange for it to be held by the carrier, or for a neighbor to take care of it.
6. CHANGE LOCKS WHEN MOVING TO A NEW HOME
Just because they owned the same house as you, doesn’t mean they share the same values. By changing locks, you can ensure you won’t have to find out the hard way.
7. YOUR HOUSE KEY IS NOT FIDO’S DOG TAG
A lost, unmarked key is worthless to a thief. Don’t put your address on your keychain – or apartment number. Giving the key and your address to a stranger is like handing them your valuables.
8. DON’T HIDE A KEY OUTSIDE THE DOOR
A lot of people worry about forgetting keys or locking themselves out of their home. Don’t let that worry make you vulnerable to a greater security threat. Most hiding spots aren’t as clever as you think they are, and burglars know all the tricks of the trade. If you hide a key, chances are they have a good idea where to find it.
9. INSTALL A PEEP HOLE IN YOUR FRONT DOOR
Just because they come knocking, doesn’t mean they’re any more trustworthy than someone who comes sneaking. You should never open the door for strangers, and this way you can tell if there is one at your door.
10. SPEED-DIAL IMPORTANT NUMBERS – COPS, FIRE, SCHOOL, POISON CONTROL, ETC.)
This is just as much about personal safety as it is home security. Having a hospital or fire department on speed dial may save your life, and having the police there makes it that much easier in case of a break-in. While 9-1-1 is fast, pushing a single button and putting the phone on speaker may be all the time you have if a burglar gets into your home.