Do you want to secure your home with an alarm system? Lots of folks buy them before they think about whether they actually need one. The tips below will help you make the decision.
Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. Try to find somewhere less obvious.
When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. When burglars hear phones ringing for an extended period of time in a home, they know that there is no one there to answer.
Remove all of the vegetation outside in the hotter months. As things heat up in the summer, items may catch on fire and threaten your home. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.
Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask someone from your security company to come over and have a look. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.
Skylights should be secure. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.
Always lock your doors, even if you are just walking down the street. Break-ins are often the result of unlocked windows and doors. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.
Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Lots of people fail to appreciate this until they are hit by thieves. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.
If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.
You can find an excellent home security company with a simple Internet search. Go through different websites and investigate testimonials about different companies and packages. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.
See how long the home security company has been around before you make any decisions. Any business with multiple years of history has a proven record in being reliable. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.
Maintain the exterior areas in your house so they are well lit. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.
Get a paper shredder. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.
Does your security company offer leasing and buying? Buying outright costs a lot more in the beginning, but one time costs might lower or eliminate some monthly fees that add up over time. Leasing is usually the cheaper option; however, it does mean higher monthly bills and a contract. Compare these two options before making your decision.
Avoid storing car registration in your glove compartment. This is not wise since anyone who has access to them will know where you live. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. Remember that you have to have access to them in case you’re stopped by the police.
If the cost of maintenance is a concern, a hard-wired system may be your best choice. Wireless set-ups need battery changes all the time. You might forget to change out the batteries, which will result in your system not operating as it should. Also, having to replace batteries on a regular basis can quickly become costly.
A security system for the home might be necessary for you. You might just have to adjust your routine. Research all of your options before making a decision.
Lapo is a smart home, technology, health, wealth, and fitness enthusiast. If he’s not on tour, you’ll find him in New York with his wife and pet parrot hanging out at the park.
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Resources
- Teds Woodworking
- Home Automation
- SmartHome
- ATT.com
- CNN – Smart and Sure Way to Reveal Strangers Lurking in the Dark
- FBI’s Warning About Home Security