It’s no secret that crime is on the rise. Home burglaries, robberies, and assaults are happening more frequently than ever before. If you want to keep your family safe, it’s essential to take steps to secure your home. This blog post will discuss some great ways to protect your home and keep your loved ones safe.
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Home Security Basics
When securing your home, the most important thing is not to make it easy for criminals. Most criminals will look for an obvious sign that someone is at home when committing a crime. In the US, 36% of crimes happen when no one is home. If you can convince potential criminals that someone lives in your house, they might find another target. An alarm system and security cameras can discourage many burglars who will seek another target with less security. Make sure to use timers on lights and radios inside the house, so it seems like people are always inside and awake during certain hours (e.g., if you work late and come home after dark).
Securing Your Doors and Windows
The most important thing in protecting your home is making sure your doors and windows are not forced open. If criminals can enter, they will. Doors: it’s best to have solid wood or metal doors at least 1 inch thick with a steel hinge pin. Look for locks that cover the entire door length and around the handle (a dowel should come out of such a lock). Ensure you replace old locks, especially if your keys no longer work properly with them! Windows: make sure all windows open from the top and not from the latch on the side; put bars on all ground-floor windows; double-check window latches and ensure they will hold (try pushing upon them with both hands), and if you look at hurricane windows cost, it might be something to consider.
Lighting and Surveillance
Lighting is essential in protecting your home. The more light, the better! Criminals don’t like to be seen and go where they feel exposed. Motion detector lights are particularly effective at exposing intruders. You can also use timers for outside lights, so they turn on during certain hours when it’s dark (e.g., if you work late). Security cameras outside the house deter criminals by exposing them when trying to hide or break into your home.
Additional Tips for Safe Living
Don’t leave money or expensive items out in the open. Store them securely, especially when you’re away from home. Never leave your keys by the door or hide a spare under a rock or mat. Criminals can easily use these to gain access, so it’s best not to give them the opportunity! Make sure all doors have deadbolt locks with 1-inch long locking bolts and strike plates with 3″ screws to go into the studs in the wall. Also, make sure that your door frames are secure (e.g., not loose or splintering), as criminals can break through if they are damaged. Finally, make sure all exterior doors have at least one deadbolt lock with a security knob for added protection against kicking in.
The best way to keep your family safe from crime is to take precautions against break-ins. Criminals look for easy targets, so if you make them think someone lives in the house and it’s well protected, they will likely move on to another target.