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Secure Your Home
Secure Your Home
Let’s talk about basic steps you can take to secure your home and personal possessions.
Let’s face it, anyone can get mugged but unless you go around upsetting people by flaunting your wealth, you are pretty safe. Don't tempt fate; keep a fairly low profile and remember that jails are full of zeroes and graveyards are full of heroes.
You need to take a long hard look at the overall security integrity. Start at the perimeter. Fences are designed for privacy but also act as a deterrent. Nail in or replace loose fence panels. If you have a side gate, keep it bolt locked and consider an electronic entry system with a card or pin number access. If you have a guard dog or pet that stays outside, remember to put up a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign to avoid a lawsuit.
Keep your back yard tidy and orderly. That overgrown shrub could be perfect cover for a burglar so get the shears out. Put the ladder away!
Lighting is an important consideration. All entrance points must be well lit. Motion sensors are an excellent defence against intruders.
Gravel driveways and paths deter thieves as they are difficult to walk quietly on.
Doors: Lock your porch. Use security screens if possible and solid, not hollow doors. Use deadlocks and good, new hinges. Put a peephole in all entry points. Keep your garage door locked and use CCTV as your car is the thieves’ second most lucrative target.
Windows: Use toughened glass for downstairs windows and never leave them open overnight.
Burglar Alarm: Nowadays, units can be purchased very cheaply and provide extra home security and probably a hefty discount on your home insurance. A secure home means less risk. Advertise the presence of your alarm in the front door.
When going on vacation, secure your home by planning ahead and cancel milk and newspaper delivery. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour and maybe leave a light on downstairs, with the curtains/blinds closed.
Install smoke detectors and perform maintenance on them every few months. Use a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen and any other room where there are large electrical appliances or naked flames. Home security includes your own home safety.
Keep a handy medical first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics and anti inflammatory medicines.
Your home doesn’t have to be Fort Knox. If you give the impression of a high security profile, thieves will be less likely to fancy their chances of a perfect crime.
Richard Ashby-Jones is well-known internet researcher specializing in home and internet security. Find other helpful advice on http://www.vital-home-security.com
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