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
Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?
When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There…
Why Fire Alarm Monitoring is Essential for Your Business
We’ve talked about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in previous blogs and how it is essential to understand and obey their standards when installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems. Fire Alarm Monitoring is the Law Your business might need to include monitoring as part of its fire safety system due to NFPA 101® . NFPA…
4 Questions & Answers about Smart Home Devices
Smart Home Technology Let’s face it; we are in love with our smartphones. According to Pew Research Center, more than 81% of Americans now own one; that is up from just 35% in 2011. With so much power in the palm of our hand, it’s not surprising that we want to use our smartphone for…
Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?
Is it legal for you to break into your own house? Yes, you can get in trouble for breaking into your own house—at least temporarily. If the police are notified that there is a break-in at a residence, either by a neighbor or a security alarm, they can detain or arrest you until you can…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…
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 Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…
What Kind of Certifications Make Our Team Security Experts?
At FSS Technologies, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are not your typical fire safety or security company. When people call us, they don’t want a one-size-fits-all solution — they want our experts to design a system that perfectly fits their needs. We take “First in Security, First in Satisfaction” seriously to ensure every…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Testing Fire Alarm Call Points
Most large commercial-grade fire alarms today are addressable systems. Unlike conventional systems that use fire alarm zones, addressable fire alarm systems assign a unique “call point” to every device. Each one sends a digital signal to the main panel, creating a two-way line of communication that shows activations and status updates. An addressable panel can then identify…