Tips And Tricks For A Safer Home

It's hard to feel safe today with the statistics on crime, even in the comfort of your own home. One thing you can do for yourself and your family is invested in a home security system. The following article offers helpful advice on finding a reputable company and selecting the right system for your needs.

• If you want your home to be safe and secure, it is important to have a reputable company's security analysis. This will assess your home security's weak points and help you understand what areas need more protection and what areas have sufficient protection to keep you safe.

• A survey taken by police officials reveals that 85 percent believe a home is more protected when equipped with a security system. Also, 60 percent of attempted burglaries are unsuccessful when the targeted home has a security system. For this reason, home insurance companies give a discount if the house has a security system.
• If you need to store firewood, keep it at least 30 yards from your home. This is an explosive item, which can cause severe damage to your home if it catches fire. Buy a shed or isolate a section of your backyard for all you need to store that fits this description.
• Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. There are plenty of things that can be done, from a safety walk to cataloging expensive items to help protect your investment and family. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.
• Keep your external home wiring undercover. You don't want your wiring to be obvious to the wrong types of people. Not only does it invite the risk of a criminal cutting your phones and electricity, but it also is often something thieves seek out! Copper (often in wires) can be sold for a reasonable price.
• Keep your car in your garage if you have one. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.
• Avoid putting your name on your mailbox. As silly as it may seem, doing so gives a thief ammunition to break into your home. They could quickly call directory assistance using your name to get your phone number. Then, they will contact you to find out if you are home or not.
• Purchase fire extinguishers for every room in your house in the event of an emergency. Also, make sure that you train everyone in the home on its usage so that everyone in the family is capable. Putting out a fire as it is in its early stages can help save your home.
• Always lock your home uptight. Even if you are popping over to a neighbors house, you need to ensure your place is secure. Most break-ins happen with no damage at all - the thief walks through an open door or slips through an open window somewhere.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home and get your mail if you are going on a trip for a week or more. Burglars sometimes will check to see that the mail or newspapers are piling up on a driveway. If your neighbor gets these in advance, it looks as if you are home.
• Keep safety at the forefront when landscaping your property. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc., should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. If the naked eye can see these things, they won't offer hiding places to potential criminals. Put landscaping farther away from the house for more excellent safety.
• If anyone knocks on your door and asks to use your phone, tell them you can make the call for them. In this day and age of cell phones and pay phones, there is little reason for anyone to appear on your doorstep asking for help. Please take it as a red flag.
• Make sure the price quotes you get from home security companies are very detailed. They should include all costs for installation, monitoring, regular maintenance, breaking a contract, and any other special fees. Doing this will help you gain a proper understanding of what your system will cost to obtain and the ongoing costs of keeping it.
• A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. Man's best friend is very territorial and makes a lot of noise during anything happening out of the ordinary. You don't even need a huge, vicious dog. Even small dogs can keep intruders away since they don't want lots of noise when committing crimes.
• Before you go to sleep, lock your windows on the first floor of your house. An unlocked window invites unwanted visitors. Even if you think you live in a safe neighborhood, thieves know no boundaries. It would help if you did not assume that your open window will go unnoticed. Keep those windows locked so your home will not be an easy target.
• When checking out security companies, ask whether they allow you to choose between buying or leasing the system. Buying it may cost more, but this means there are no monthly charges. The cost of leasing is lower at first but adds up over time. Compare these two options before making your decision.
• If you feel you need a spare key around, don't hide it under your doormat or in the garage. Instead, could you give it to a neighbor you trust? Swapping keys with them ensures both of your homes are safe, but you can get in if you lose your keys.

Hopefully, this article has answered your questions about home security and makes you feel comfortable with the decision to install a new system. No matter what model or options you choose, you will feel safer as soon as it's set up. You will also sleep better at night knowing you are protected.