Do you want to make your home more secure? That is wise, because you can never be cautious enough about your house. You need to use all possible strategies in order to maintain a safe and secure environment. Read this article if you want to learn more about home security.
Spare Key
Put your spare key on your dog. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!
Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If they need the keys and plan on being in there for more than an hour, try to ensure that they are honest, hardworking, and reputable. Check out their references thoroughly. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.
Home protection program details may be available at your police station. There are lots of different programs, like home inspections, that will help you take the proper steps to make sure your home adequately protected. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.
Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.
Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.
Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.
When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. All windows can be entry spots for thieves. Make sure the alarm is attached to all of them, and that monitoring is offered for all possible entry points. They are the most effective.
When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. There may be hidden costs involved that you were not aware of. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.
See how long the home security company has been around before you make any decisions. Companies who have been around for years will show that they have what it takes to succeed. In addition, it proves that they provide people with reliable services they can depend on. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.
Your home’s exterior needs to be well lit. A burglar prefers to sneak around in the dark, and a well lit house is always a deterrent. You should put a light on any area where a person could break in. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.
Shred any documents and junk mail that contains identifying information. You will be astonished at how burglars find important information from loose paper that they could use to break into your house. If you cannot afford a paper shredder, rip papers up into small pieces.
Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. Compare the pros and cons of different options. Longer agreements may cost less per month, but you may not be able to get out of the contract if you need to. Shorter contracts have more freedom, but the monthly costs could be higher.
Spring Latch Locks
Do not purchase spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. Intruders can pick these locks by wedging a credit card in between the latch and the door. If you’ve already got spring latch locks, you can put in a deadbolt for additional security.
Your security company might give you the option to lease and eventually buy your security equipment. It might cost more at first when buying the equipment, but you don’t have the extra cost each month. The cost of leasing is lower at first but adds up over time. Check out both options and determine which is best for you.
Don’t hide your key somewhere obvious. Everyone knows about fake rocks. Someone is going to look under your doormat. The best strategy is to have a neighbor or good friend hold a spare key in case you need it. When this isn’t an option, you should at least use your imagination when choosing a hiding place.
Unhappily, all homes are subject to security breaches. However, you can take measures to protect your home as much as possible. The piece you just read should have taught you some things. If you’d like to do more to make your home as safe as possible, put a few of these tips into action.
