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.
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