If you've ever wondered what to do about home security, then you are in the right place. You have to know all the options available in order to make a good decision. Otherwise, you could end up with a system that does not accommodate your home and your family.
Don't ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will help to deter burglars.
Some people believe the cost of a home security system is prohibitive. However, recent statistics reveal that the average cost of a burglary is nearly three thousand dollars. When this amount is taken into consideration, the cost of a home security system can be justified. There is also the added safety factor of preventing criminals from entering the home.
If you use a social media site such as Facebook it can be tempting to tell everyone that you are planning to go away or are already away. Try your best not to post about being away until you are back, especially if your site is not private. You never know who could be watching and see it as an opportunity to break in.
The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home's walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. You can also install a fake one.
Having a good sized dog can make for a great home security system and deterrent to criminals who are considering breaking into your house. Even if you do not have a dog, buying a couple "beware of the dog" signs can be enough to deter people from robbing your house.
Walk outside of your home at night and see what is visible through your windows. If you have a clear view of your valuables, especially easily stolen electronics, then so do potential thieves. If you don't want to rearrange the interior of your home, simply make sure that blinds or drapes block the view.
Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. Someone can seem nice and professional on the outside, but they may not be so nice on the inside.
When you pick an alarm system, it's a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This is just cost to gut and renovate a house one more thing you can do to protect your home.
If you have a door that does not have a peephole, you should work on installing one. It is very dangerous to open a door when you are not sure who is on the other side. This is a great way for you to keep you and your home safe from harm.
Every bit of wiring for your alarm system needs to be well hidden or else it will be easy to cut. When installing a system yourself, this is important to keep in mind. Tuck it away within walls so that no one can get at it to shut the system down.
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.
If you will be away from your home in the winter months, pay someone to shovel your driveway. This will show that you are still home, as a driveway that is not taken care of indicates there is no one there to do it. A simple 20 dollar payment to a local shoveling company can save your house from a burglary.
All of your exterior doors should have the hinges facing inside. Hinges are easy to break if you have access to them, so that means they need to be within your home so that no one outside can get at them. It may take some effort, but it will be worth it.
Install metal security bars on all sliding doors and widows. Sliding doors and windows are vulnerable to being forced open by a determined intruder. A simple metal bar, set into the track, adds considerable security for a small price. Make sure that the bar is long enough that the door or window cannot be opened far enough to fit through.
If someone comes to your door telling you that they represent a particular company, make sure that you ask them for some type of ID. It is very common for thieves to use tricks like this to gain access to your home. Also, keep people at the door and avoid letting them in.
Once you've installed your window lock, melt solder over the screws used. If you leave the screws open. they can easily be unscrewed by a burglar. Instead, filling the holes in will ensure the lock can't be removed. The point of a lock is to keep the window secure, right?
One easy way to choose burglar-proof windows is to choose those with smaller panes of glass. Small panes mean that no one can fit their body through, and it also means many panes will have to be broken to gain access. You can also use shatter-proof glass for a similar effect.
Don't post too much information on social media sites. If you are going away on vacation, for example, don't "check in" at a particular location or mention the fact that you are going to be gone for a week. Even if you think your information is set to private, you'd be surprised at how much information hackers can access, and you never want anyone to know you are going to be away for extended periods of time.
You need to use this information in order to use it in the realm of home security. Now that you know what you're doing, you can choose a good system. The tips you've just received can start making a difference in your family's safety immediately.
