Common Sense for Home Security

What is the point of writing an article about common sense? If everything that you read here is merely common sense then wouldn't common sense dictate that this is some information that you could just skip for now? You might be surprised! Sometimes it takes seeing ideas in written form before you can burn those thoughts into your memory banks. This piece makes a good reference tool as well. You can also think of it as a simple review of the home security tips that should be considered on a daily basis. Here are the top ten common considerations for home security common sense.

Common Considerations Consist of...

• Changing your locks
• Keeping ladders and tools safely stored out of view.
• Alarming your alarm system
• Keeping windows and doors locked
• Keep your keys to yourself
• Keep the bad guys guessing. Don't be predictable.
• Keep your valuables hidden.
• Be wary of people that you don't know who come to your door.
• Create good light around your home.
• Get to know your neighbors.

Changing Locks
It is just good common sense to change your locks when you first move into a home. You never know who has a 'spare' key. If any situations come up that make you wonder if there is a copy of your keys out there somewhere, give yourself the piece of mind that you will get by changing your locks. I have seen this situation arise when a teenager has given her boyfriend a spare key. Then they breakup. Then they get mad at each other. Then who knows what could happen? If possible, it is best to have identical locks on all of your exterior doors. This will cut down the chances of the wrong person getting their hands on your house keys.

Ladders and Tools
Obviously, you should not store a ladder next to your house. If you have a two-story house then the bad guys can simply use your own ladder in order to gain entrance through one of your second story windows. The same goes for tools. Why give the bad guys any more ammunition than they already have? You don't want them using your own tools in order to break into your home.

Alarm the Alarm System
One of the best things that you can do in order to protect your home is to get a security system. However, it doesn't do any good to have a home security system if you don't bother to arm it! After you have had your home security system for awhile, you might get so complacent that you start to forget that the thing has to actually be armed in order for it to do any good. Just having a security system is a great deterrent and, knowing this, some people start to feel so safe that they simply choose to not go to the trouble of turning on their system. Don't be one of those people!

Keep Windows and Doors Locked
Whenever you leave your house, make it a habit to lock your doors and windows. Turn on your alarm system and keep on some lights. Even if you think that you live in a safe neighborhood, it is a good practice to lock up. There is always a first time for everything. You don't want your house to be the first one that is burglarized on your block. If you take all of the common sense precautions that are listed here, the burglar will most likely just move on to the next target and leave your house alone.

Keep your Keys to Yourself
Remember that your keys are your keys. You should never let anyone barrow your house keys. Even if they are someone that you trust. Let's say you lend your keys to your sister so that she can take care of your cat. She goes home. She has a teenage son. He invites some friends over to swim in the pool. One of his friends is a bad seed. The bad seed steals the keys and makes copies. Now you have a bad guy who has a copy of your house keys! It's actually a bit of a far fetched example but I think you can see the point. You might trust the person that you lend your keys to but can you trust the people that they come into contact with? On the subject of keys, you should also avoid leaving your house key under the mat of hidden somewhere on the outside of your home. The bad guys could be watching your home and eventually, they will see where you hide your keys. Then they will have an easy way into your home.

Don't be Predictable
Try to be unpredictable. If you always leave and come home at the same time, a burglar could plan accordingly. Try to do whatever you can to keep them off-guard. Use light timers and timed sound devices that can make it seem like someone is home. It might also be a good idea to get a dog. If you can't get a dog then at least put up signs that indicate that you do have a dog. Similarly, if you don't have a home security system, at least put up signs and stickers that will make the burglar think that your home is secure.

Hide your Valuables
Do not advertise the fact that you may have valuables in your home. Try to keep your valuables hidden from view, away from your windows. If you recently purchased something of value, such as a 46 inch plasma TV, don't just set the box out at the curb for the trash man. From an outsider, it should appear that you live a simple frugal life and that you don't have a lot of money or valuable items in your home. You should also catalog and take pictures of your valuables so that if you do have a break-in, it will be easier for the detectives to recover your items.

Beware of Strangers
If a service person comes to your door, be sure to check their identification. The bad guys will sometimes come to your home dressed as a service person so that they can get their foot in your door. If you see anything or anyone suspicious in your neighborhood or at your front door, call 9-1-1 and report it. It is always better to error on the side of caution.

Create Good Lighting
Another common sense approach to home security includes lighting up your house. Burglars don't like lights and noises. Timed interior lighting is a good deterrent but you want to be especially diligent when it comes to lighting up the exterior of your home. All of your exterior pathways should be well lit and of course, the area around your front door should have more than adequate lighting. You should have lights that cover a 100 foot perimeter of your home.

Neighborhood Watch
Do get to know your neighbors. You can watch out for each other. By getting to know your neighbors, you will have a better feel for who should, and who should not, be walking around in your neighborhood. You might consider starting a neighborhood watch program if there is not already one in place.

Having a home security system installed in your home is just the first step. When used in conjunction with some common sense, you will be one step ahead of the bad guys.