Have you ever considered buying a home alarm system? Make sure you have thought this decision through before making a potentially expensive purchase! Things that you do, such as always locking your doors, can make a big difference and may provide you with all the security you need.
When you move into a new home, change all the locks. Even though the previous homeowner may have given you keys to the house, there might be a key out there that someone has. To be sure you are as safe as possible, get all new locks for your new house.
Protect your spare key by using your dog. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Latch the key on his collar, and voila–you have a spare key available!
After you purchase a new home, change the locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys and, therefore, access to your home. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.
Do not leave your garage doors open, even if you are currently home. Burglars will try to get in through the garage, and if it is open, they can easily break through the door to your home. Use a keypad that requires a combination to allow access into your house.
Protect your valuables. Some common ways to do this are by storing them inside a safe-deposit box or storing them in a heavy home safe that’s nearly impossible to move. Make sure the safe is fireproof. You can use a chiseled-out space at the very top of your door for smaller valuables. You can even create a hiding place in an acoustical ceiling by removing a tile and restoring it with something like magnetic fasteners. Make sure to avoid leaving fingerprints with this method.
See what the local police offer when it comes to home protection programs. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.
Make sure to choose an alarm company that offers to monitor. An alarm that just buzzes if an intruder tries to enter is statistically shown to be mostly ineffective. When you add the additional monitoring, however, you have a direct link to someone who can call the police and get you help. There may be an extra charge for a monitored alarm, but it is well worth the cost.
Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? Lots of people fail to appreciate this until they are hit by thieves. It does not take much time to strip off the expensive copper wires from the exterior of your house. Make sure the wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep this valuable item safe.
If you live in a building that has a secured door, do not allow anyone into the building that you don’t know. Many people will hang around and pretend to be a resident or someone else that should be there, so be very careful. If you do not recognize the person, let them know that you cannot let them in.
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. Take it as a red flag.
When it comes to love, there is nothing like the adoration a dog can provide. That said, they also make a wickedly effective security system. If anyone tries to enter your home unannounced, Rover will be on guard, barking at them until they take off fleeing and your home is safe again.
If you want to keep your home safe when you are out and about, don’t leave Spot out back. A dog in the house provides a foolproof security system as he will bark at anyone trying to get inside while you’re out. Have your dog attend obedience classes to ensure he does the best job.
The best types of locks are deadbolt locks. Spring locks are the easiest for a thief to manipulate; they are also the most common in many homes. People will lock the spring lock on the doorknob but leave the deadbolt unlocked. The deadbolt is the hardest for a thief to access, so use it whenever you can.
Install a peephole and chain lock on your door. A peephole and chain will allow you to communicate with someone at your door without allowing them full view or easy access to your home. If a stranger is at your door, do not unfasten the chain until you are confident that you are safe.
Some home security system companies require their customers to sign long-term contracts. Depending on which company you purchase your system from, the terms of the contract may be negotiable. Do not avoid getting a home security system if you feel you need one just because you do not want to sign a contract.
Consider cellular monitoring for your home security needs. Phone wires in a home can easily be cut by an intruder, leaving you without the protection you have paid for. A cellular monitoring system offers an extra layer of protection that is more difficult for an intruder to disengage, keeping your home and family safer.
Ask if your home security system comes with a warranty. If it does not, ask if there are options to purchase an additional warranty. Repairing home security systems can be costly, and you do not want that cost to fall on you. A warranty can help to protect you from unexpected costs while keeping your equipment running perfectly.
Maybe you do need an alarm system. It could just be that you need to shake things up a little at home. Research all options thoroughly to make an informed choice.
