Home Security: How to Make Your Home Burglar-Resistant
Home security is a huge concern these days, given the
increasingly unsafe environment we live in. The fact is, there
are a number of easy, practical steps you can take to minimize
the chances of your home being burglarized.
* Prevention if usually better than cure. Before you rent or buy
a home / apartment, get to know the neighborhood. Talk to
residents; ask about burglaries and other crimes in the
locality. Being aware of what has been happening in the area
should be a priority.
* If possible, have a security expert evaluate the home.
Incidentally, many police departments will do a security check
of your home at no cost. You will often be alerted to problems
you didn't know existed.
* Don't hide keys outside the house for fear of being locked
out. Getting a locksmith to open your door is a whole lot
cheaper than losing valuables because a burglar discovered your
hidden keys!
Where possible, team up with a neighbor and hold one set of each
other's keys. That way you have a spare set of keys available
should the need arise.
* Trim bushes around your house before they grow enough to
easily hide an intruder.
* Having good lighting around your home or apartment complex is
an important factor in deterring intruders. If there are
burnt-out bulbs or the lighting is inadequate, address the issue
* If you have windows accessible using fire escapes or directly
from the ground, they should not open wide enough to let a
person in. A screw built into the frame can accomplish this.
There are other very effective stops also available. Of course,
you should be able to escape in the event of a fire.
* There are anti-lift devices available that can prevent an
entire window or sliding door being lifted out of its frame. If
you do not install them, thieves may make locks irrelevant by
lifting the window or door.
* Your door should have a dead bolt, not just the lock in the
knob. Get one installed, if you don't have one already.
* Avoid listing your complete address in the phone book. List
only your street name, at most. This will prevent someone doing
reverse listings to find out your name and phone number using
your address.
* It is tempting to leave notes for your kids or neighbors on
mailboxes and doors. This is an open declaration that you are
not home.
* Do not announce your absence from home through your answering
machine. Incidentally, an answering machine can be useful for
identifying suspicious patterns of missed calls.
* There are a number of excellent home security systems
available. If you feel the level of risk warrants it, consider
using them.
* Decals are often a good deterrent. Alarm system decals or
beware of dog, neighborhood watch signs can make would-be
burglars think twice.
Utilize these suggestions and you will make your home a safer
place to live in.
About the author:
Joe Timbers has written on home and
office security including ideas on enhancing home security, tips for home security while on vacation and
more.
Written by: Joe Timbers
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