8 Home Security Tips
With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home.
1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house.
If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV on in a room near the front door or other entry points like side doors or first-floor windows. You also can use exterior lighting and exterior motion lights to minimize places where a burglar could easily hide. There are a lot of ways to Vacation-Proof Your Home.
2. Make sure all exterior doors have reliable locks.
Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and lock all doors before leaving your home or going to bed. Replace the ½” screws provided with the dead bolt strike plate with 2 ½ – 3” screws.
3. Double check before opening the door.
Always check to see who is at the door before opening the door. Install a peephole if needed or consider purchasing a video doorbell system.
4. Hide the spare keys.
Spare keys are a fantastic way to have an added level of access to your home in case you get locked out or lose a key. However, intruders are likely to peek under a doormat or to spot a fake rock. Give your spare key to a neighbor or close friend that you can trust.
5. Secure your sliding glass doors.
Growing up we used a 3/4” dole rod in the door; when I became an adult, I learned that rod wouldn’t stop anyone. Use a metal spring-loaded bar in the middle of the door.
6. Keep the garage doors closed.
Your garage door leads directly into your home, so it is important to keep it closed even when you are at home. Your garage door can be connected to your home security system by using a garage door contact, such as a magnetic switch.
7. Hide cash and expensive items.
Keep cash and high dollar items in a safe place, such as a locked box in a child’s toy chest or on a bookshelf. If possible, keep these items in a safe with a secure lock.
8. Ladders and trash cans
Ladders and trash cans can be used by intruders to enter your home. For that reason, these types of items are best kept out of sight and away from the side of your home. You can keep trashcans and ladders in your garage or lock them to your fence.
Home security systems are easier and more accessible than ever before. Installing a system can keep your home and the ones you love safe, even when you can’t be there. Home security can be automated and accessed from your smartphone. Some of our clients love the ability of being able to quickly lock a door if they forgot on their way to soccer practice or turn on the lights when your kid gets home from school. Even if you are not in the mood to get off the couch, you can open your phone and see who is at your door. Using these practical safety tips along with a home security system are important tools to keep your home secure.
If you are interested in learning more and want to talk to our friendly team of experts, give us a call!
Explore Our Other Blogs
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…
3 Types of Security Lights
Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting. Additionally, check out the…
Cost of Home Security Systems
Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…
What is the Lifespan of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
As with pretty much everything, your smoke alarm eventually expires. Sensors can become less sensitive over time, making them less adept at doing their job: detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, or potential fires. Replacing the equipment in your fire safety system is important both at home and in your business. We have developed a quick guide…
Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems
Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs. wireless…
Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago
There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe? It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting times…
Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company
When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies. Knowledge One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations…
What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?
Security Video Recordings Storage How much storage does a security camera have? It is a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer. Security and surveillance cameras can use a variety of storage types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right security video storage for you, you will need to consider…
What Is Alarm.com?
How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. Alarm.com does not manufacture security components, like alarm panels and cameras. Instead, its cutting-edge software is integrated into hardware systems provided by highly regarded manufacturers. What sets Alarm.com apart? Alarm.com Products Alarm.com’s partnership…