Home Security Tips to Fit Your Family Routine
There are times when the local news reports seem to be filled with tales of burglaries, crime, house fires, and devastating accidents.
Although it may be impossible to control the outside world, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances such a thing will befall your family.
By strengthening home security at your residence, you can keep your loved ones safe from harm.
If you are trying to devise a plan with your family, begin with the following five tips.
Get the Whole Family on Board.
In order to create a safe, protected environment, all members of the household need to be on the same page.
Begin by reviewing the basics and emphasizing the importance of using all locks - even when you are only stepping out for a few minutes.
It just takes a minute for a burglar to slip in through an unlocked door and get away with priceless belongings.
Windows, especially those located on the first floor, should be also be secured with locks and jambs that prevent the frames from opening more than a few inches.
Evaluate Your Lighting.
There are two primary reasons why lighting boosts home security.
The first has to do with crime prevention and deterrence.
If an intruder attempts to get through an unlit area, a motion-activated floodlight may startle him enough to send him running.
The second rationale for an investment in lighting relates to immediate physical safety.
Uneven pavement and inclement weather conditions causing icy sidewalks both pose hazards, especially when you cannot see the ground underneath you.
Therefore, be sure that all pathways to and from the hour are thoroughly illuminated at night.
Review the Flow of Traffic Indoors.
This is an especially important step for any family with a larger residence, particularly if young children or seniors are present.
Check the hallways and stairs, verifying that all rugs are secured with non-skid backing.
Minimize sharp corners and be sure that electrical cords are removed from the sight of youngsters as much as possible.
Invest in a Home Alarm.
As much as the use of good locks and lighting helps keep out some intruders, it is not enough to deter hardcore criminals.
When in the market for home alarm systems, be sure to look for monitored models.
These generally consist of multiple motion detectors which transmit information to a centrally-located control panel, while a keypad allows you to activate and de-activate the equipment.
'Monitored' refers to the fact that the provider company will maintain a connection to your place, contacting local law enforcement officials if the detectors pick up on suspicious movement.
Reach Out to Your Neighbors.
Remember that home security extends beyond your immediate property line and that it can be enhanced when everyone works together.
Establishing a Neighborhood Watch or similar organization sends the message to potential burglars that everyone is paying attention to what happens on the block.
Best of all, when you create a network for protection, you benefit from added support to deal with any quality-of-life issues that may arise and require collective community action.
Although it may be impossible to control the outside world, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances such a thing will befall your family.
By strengthening home security at your residence, you can keep your loved ones safe from harm.
If you are trying to devise a plan with your family, begin with the following five tips.
Get the Whole Family on Board.
In order to create a safe, protected environment, all members of the household need to be on the same page.
Begin by reviewing the basics and emphasizing the importance of using all locks - even when you are only stepping out for a few minutes.
It just takes a minute for a burglar to slip in through an unlocked door and get away with priceless belongings.
Windows, especially those located on the first floor, should be also be secured with locks and jambs that prevent the frames from opening more than a few inches.
Evaluate Your Lighting.
There are two primary reasons why lighting boosts home security.
The first has to do with crime prevention and deterrence.
If an intruder attempts to get through an unlit area, a motion-activated floodlight may startle him enough to send him running.
The second rationale for an investment in lighting relates to immediate physical safety.
Uneven pavement and inclement weather conditions causing icy sidewalks both pose hazards, especially when you cannot see the ground underneath you.
Therefore, be sure that all pathways to and from the hour are thoroughly illuminated at night.
Review the Flow of Traffic Indoors.
This is an especially important step for any family with a larger residence, particularly if young children or seniors are present.
Check the hallways and stairs, verifying that all rugs are secured with non-skid backing.
Minimize sharp corners and be sure that electrical cords are removed from the sight of youngsters as much as possible.
Invest in a Home Alarm.
As much as the use of good locks and lighting helps keep out some intruders, it is not enough to deter hardcore criminals.
When in the market for home alarm systems, be sure to look for monitored models.
These generally consist of multiple motion detectors which transmit information to a centrally-located control panel, while a keypad allows you to activate and de-activate the equipment.
'Monitored' refers to the fact that the provider company will maintain a connection to your place, contacting local law enforcement officials if the detectors pick up on suspicious movement.
Reach Out to Your Neighbors.
Remember that home security extends beyond your immediate property line and that it can be enhanced when everyone works together.
Establishing a Neighborhood Watch or similar organization sends the message to potential burglars that everyone is paying attention to what happens on the block.
Best of all, when you create a network for protection, you benefit from added support to deal with any quality-of-life issues that may arise and require collective community action.
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