Home security can consist of several different possibilities.
Here a set of considerations for improving your home security. Some are simple and very cost effective while others may require an investment in equipment, time and more money.
- Locksmith – Have a professional locksmith re-key all the locks on the house. You never know who has a key to your new home. There could be a key hidden outside by the former homeowner or a neighbor could have a spare as well.
- A home safe - Installing a home safe is a very good idea. In a good sturdy fire-resistant safe, you can keep your house documents, inventory, medical/dental records, titles and other valuables. Securing a safe permanently in an out of the way location is the best solution. What good is a safe that's just sitting in the corner of your bedroom closet. Once an unsecured safe is carried away, you've still lost the items. Good crooks know how to drill a safe and get the goodies out.
- Home security/alarm – If you are going to have a home security system installed or have the existing one monitored. Do it now. Having a security system monitored often returns a hefty discount on your home insurance policy. In addition to saving money, you get more peace of mind. Most home security systems have sensors on the windows and doors. Thieves know this so they break windows or kick in doors. Having a glass breakage sensor or motion detectors are often an additional expense but do a much better job detecting unwanted guests.
- Doors – Make sure your exterior doors are closing well and locking tightly. Always lock the door behind you when you enter your house. Consider a longer striker plate for your door jamb. The striker is the flat metal plate with the curved edge that the door hardware slides against when latching. Standard striker plates only have short screws to secure them to the jamb. Some hardware stores offer longer strikers that combine both holes for the door hardware and the dead bolt lock. Most importantly, they come with very long bolts to actually anchor the striker to the framing of the house and not just the door jamb. It is very difficult to kick in a door with an extended striker plate.
- Exterior security – Make sure you have good lighting all around the exterior of your house. Floodlights on all corners with motion detectors are a good choice. When anyone is near the house, the lights come on. Trimming back heavy foliage around the perimeter of the house can reduce or eliminate hiding places.
- Overhead garage door - If you use an overhead garage door opener, when you arrive home. Be sure to look in both side mirrors to make sure you are the only one in the garage. Close the door completely before you get out of the car. If an intruder gets in, you have a very loud car horn that might change their mind.
- A dog? - Yes, a dog. Dogs have been around since the dawn of man to alert humans to the presence of others nearby. Even a small dog can fend off potential home invaders. Yes, they are in investment with veterinarian bills, food, and time exercising them. However, not only do they provide love and companionship, they have a powerful duty to protect their pack with you as their alpha. If you loath the idea of rearing a puppy, consider an older rescue dog. These are often already trained and housebroken. There are many types of animal rescue centers in most towns. Animal shelters can also be a great source.
Regardless of they type of house you have, there are some necessary tasks you will have to do stay on top of things. Learn more and keep up with your house with a free My Healthy House.com profile. Stay tuned and make your house the best it can be.
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© Healthy House, Inc. 2009
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