Home Security Tips

The following home security tips will help you feel more protected in your home. An alarm system by itself doesn't always keep intruders away.

1. Consider getting a dog. Theives will be less likely to enter your home if they have to deal with a dog. Bonus - they make good pets.

2. If you go out at night, leave a few lights on. It's also good to put a radio on to a talk show and turn the volume up a bit.

3. People leave valuables in obvious places - under the matress; in the underwear drawer; in the cookie jar. Invest in a small house safe, or leave the valuables in a safe-deposit box at your bank.

4. Don't let deliveries stay outside where people can see that you're not home for a few days. Have deliveries go to a neighbor, or have the post office or other delivery service hold the package until you either call or pick it up yourself.

5. Along the same lines, when your're on vacation, stop mail and newspaper deliveries until you return.

6. Have someone mow your lawn while you're away. Or in winter, arrange for the snow to be removed from your driveway. I would also leave a car parked in your driveway. If you took the car with you, ask your neighbor to park his car there for a few days.

7. Make sure your windows are locked - not just closed. Surprisingly, this is one of the home security tips most overlooked by homeowners.

During the summer, people tend to leave windows open while they go out on an errand - Don't. Furthermore, you should close the curtains when you're out. Why let someone see what you have inside while you're away.

8. Be on alert during the holiday season. Burglars know there are gifts in the house and you are more preoccupied, and running around more, than usual.

9. Make sure your outside lighting will illuminate the entire perimeter of the house. Just lighting the doors won't stop anyone from using the windows.

10. If you receive expensive gifts (like a plasma TV or other electronic equipment), don't put the packaging out on the sidewalk for pick-up. Take it to a recycling center.

11. Trim your hedges regularly. Don't let overgrown landscaping provide extra cover for burglars. Large shrubs directly under windows make access more difficult. And gravel near the house will make it easier to hear someone just outside.

12. Make sure your doors are sturdy. Entry doors should be made of solid wood or metal. If you have a door with foam core, think about replacing it. In the case of sliding glass doors, use a bar in the track to keep the door from sliding open.

Many home security tips involve a good neighbor. It's a good idea to foster good relationships with your neighbors. They will be more likely to call in something suspicious if they know you well. Also, you can give a trusted neighbor a spare key. This is better than planting one in a flowerpot.

As a test, try this. Lock yourself out while leaving someone inside. Now see if you can get into the house without the use of a key. If you can do it, then so can a burglar.

For more about this subject, go to Crime Doctor.

Here's one of the home security tips that allows you to monitor your home while you're away. BeHome 24/7

If you have a question, or just want to discuss an issue with me, contact me about home security tips by clicking here.

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