If there is one place in the world where is important to feel safe, it is your home. There is nothing that can replace the security of your family, your belongings, and the things you hold most dear. Any breach into your home makes it hard for you to feel safe again. That's why it is important to do everything you can to make sure your home is secure and that burglars pass by your house when looking for a target. Learn how to scare burglars away and make your Seattle home secure.
Look Around Objectively to Maximize Security
Look around your house now to see the areas for you to improve. Maybe there are things that you can save up for and do in the future. There are also things that need immediate attention. Here are things you can do right now to increase the security of your home.
With Landscaping Less is More
Take a look at the landscaping around your home. Whether you did it yourself or the house came this way, it's important to eliminate places where a burglar could hide. Trim back any large bushes or trees that even partially block doors or windows. Get rid of any shrubbery around the perimeter of your house. These make for easy hiding places. Take a small hand saw, hedge trimmers or chainsaw to take care of this as soon as possible. The sooner you provide efficient visibility of your property and home, the better armed you are for identifying any potential threats and intruders looking for an easy score.
Install an Alarm System
An alarm system is a great way to safeguard against intruders. A wide variety of alarm systems are available to meet your home's specific security needs. Monitored and non-monitored systems are the two main types. Though they are usually more expensive, monitored systems give your house expert round-the-clock security. This means that the security company will be aware of the threat and able to alert you and the authorities quickly.
While unmoderated systems aren't always online, they will sound an alert that will likely scare off any intruders. Instead of a company-specific sign, use a generic sign to advertise your alarm system. Knowing the brand, a burglar can more easily determine how to disarm it. Knowing that there is video surveillance on the property deters potential burglars.
Get Locks and Use Them
Establish a routine for home security that includes basic guidelines like using door and window locks, and get everyone in the family involved—even the kids. It requires little energy and has no cost. Make it your routine to lock all windows and doors before bed, after you've entered, and when you're leaving.
It's important to have deadbolts and locks installed on your doors and windows to keep you safe. Make sure to use them at all times, even when you’re in the house. Even small towns and rural properties can fall victim to burglaries.
Invest in a Safe
Get a safe to store your most important valuables and papers. If the safe is small or light enough to carry off, find a place in your home to bolt it to the floor. This will make it much harder for burglars to make off with it. Take your safe’s security efforts one step further and make sure it also fireproof.
Add Outdoor Lighting and Interior Lighting Timers
If you don’t have it already, it's very important for your safety to have outdoor lighting. Infrared motion detectors are especially helpful. Not only will they turn on when you get home to help you get inside quicker, but they will also illuminate any would-be burglars. Since most burglars prefer to work in the shadows, adding extra illumination to your driveway, front door area, and yard can significantly reduce the likelihood that potential thieves will target you.
Another simple and affordable alternative for home security is a light timer. A variety of devices are available that allow you to plan the timing of the lighting in your home. When you're not home, lights that flicker on and off might create the impression that someone is. When burglars believe that a homeowner is home, they are far less likely to try to break in.
Lose the Hidden Key
A simple way to make your home more secure is to take away the backup key you keep outside in case something goes wrong. While a hidden key has good intentions, it can be dangerous for you and your home.
The days of leaving your key under your door mat, above your door frame, inside of a mailbox, or under a rock have come to an end. Burglars know these are the most likely places where your keys are hidden and may easily find them. Instead of hiding a key, give one to a trustworthy neighbor and go to them if you get locked out.
Don't Show Off The Goods
A really important move is to make it look like you don't have anything worth stealing in the first place. Park your car in the garage. Make sure to close curtains and blinds so people can't see into entertainment rooms that contain televisions, game consoles, and computers.
Secure Sliding Doors
Securing any sliding doors you may have is an easy thing to do. Simply put a wooden rod on the track to keep them from being opened from the outside.
Invest in a Garage Door Timer
If you or someone in your family has been known to accidentally leave the garage door open, you should invest in a garage door timer. You can have it automatically close your garage door after it’s been sitting open for a certain amount of time.
Secure The Air Conditioning Window Unit
If you have any window air conditioning units, make sure to secure them. This can be a really easy entry point for someone looking to break in.
Don't Get a Door With Glass Near the Doorknob
You see it in movies and on television all the time. Someone breaks the glass in a door and reaches in to turn the doorknob. You don't want a burglar to get in so easily. Pick a different door for glass, such as an interior door. If you have a sidelight on just one side of your door, one suggestion is to move the location of the hinges so that your knob or lever is on the opposite side of the glass.
Glass shatter sensors are an additional type of alarm if you have a door with glass in it or near the doorknob. When glass breaks, an audio microphone used by these sensors detects it. One sensor can usually cover many windows and sliding glass doors in a single room, with a range of several feet. Additionally, you may apply a security film to the current panes or replace the glass with reinforced windows.
Get Your Kids That Puppy They Always Wanted
Nothing makes someone jump quite as quickly as a barking dog. Most burglars won't chance an encounter with a dog, so it may just be time to get one for the kids after all. A pet is a great way to boost your home’s security and its level of joy all at once.
Enlist Professional Help
Even when you look around objectively, there are certain security issues you can miss. Enlisting the assistance of a professional can help you create a secure home where everyone feels comfortable. With experienced eyes and a commitment to detail that many homeowners may have missed, a professional can also recommend the best system for your home’s needs and budget type.
Work With an Experienced Locksmith
An experienced locksmith can offer the latest technologies, ranging from locks to security systems, to help keep your house secure. Also, security professionals recognize potential weak areas you might miss. This minor investment can save you money and protect the people you care about in the future.
By following the tips above, you can make your home safer for you and your family. Most of them are relatively easy and the others are worth the investment. Don't become a victim of a break in. Make sure you're safe and prepared. No one can put a price on your safety and the safety of your family.
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