Home Security Tips
Lights Area lighting is one
of the best home security items you can install. Burglar's do not want to be
seen. Doorways and window areas should be well lit. FBI statistics show
that 82% of the time, entrance is gained though home doors. Most often
the front. Do not leave your front porch
light on, this is letting everyone know you are not at home. There are very good
solar powered landscape lights available to provide area lighting. Don't get the
cheap ones, for about $40 each, the bright ones provide excellent wide coverage
lighting.
Use light timers when you are away from home.
Alarm Systems Do not set your alarm
to continually sound once triggered, just set it for a few minutes. A burglar
has got the message once it sounds. You do not want to disturb your neighbor.
Do not use silent alarms. Phone
Lines Check where your phone line enters your house. If your lines
are above ground and at ground level, consider running them through metal
conduit to prevent being cut.
Lock outside power switch boxes (located by electric meter).
Most of these boxes contain circuit breakers that will shut off power to the
entire home with the flick of a switch. Most electrical boxes come with a lock
hasp already mounted into it. Putting a lock on this box will prevent or delay
the burglar from shutting the power off.
Signs and stickers Do not underestimate the value of yard
signs and window stickers. Burglars will chose a home without home security
system signage versus one with.
Locks
Statistics show that burglars picked
locks only 20% of the time. So don't think that locks are going to
keep anybody out. There is an old saying that "locks are for honest people."
But remember to lock your doors when your at home.
Keep windows locked
while you are asleep. Quick fix window block - put screws in the window track
halfway up
Strangers
Burglars almost always "case" a home before
breaking in. If you see strangers around your neighborhood, call your local law
enforcement.
Hide Valuables
Phony wall switches are available to hide expensive small items
such as jewelry.
If you want to put them into a safe, make sure the safe is
bolted down or so heavy that it could not be moved easily.
Another good hiding place, in between stacks of pots in your
kitchen.
Wireless video surveillance
Do not use wireless video systems for the inside of your house. "Hard wired" systems are
better. You might be surprised as to how easy someone can receive your wireless
video signal. Discovery channel showed a special on security where 2 men were
driving around in a neighborhood and picking the signals up inside of a SUV.
Scary thought.
Sliding Patio Doors
Very vulnerable
to being forced open. A quick fix to this is to put a wood stick in the
track. Vertical dead bolt locks are also a good option for sliding or French
style doors. Down side to bars and vertical locks - during an emergency it could pose problems for small
children or disabled persons.
Tools and Ladders
Do not leave tools or ladders lying around the yard.
Screwdrivers, pry bars, hammers and ladders can be used by burglars to gain
entrance to your home.
Also, trim any tree limbs that could provide access to the top
of house.
ID Valuables
Engrave your name and / or
telephone number on valuables (i.e. - tv's, computers, etc.). Record the
serial numbers of all items. These steps will help in the event you need
to recover your things.
Take the time to photograph or video record
everything you own. Store all of your inventory records in a safe deposit box
(or other safe place). Very important for insurance claims.
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