Top 8 Tips for Safeguarding Your Home | Home Security Advice
Protecting your home and its contents is usually a priority whenever you decide to go out of town for vacation. However, taking care of the safety of your home should happen more than a few times a year. If you fail to stay vigilant in areas of a potential threat, you increase your risk of falling victim to burglary, fraud, and even fire damage. Proactively addressing risk isn’t just about what you should do to improve your home’s safety, but it is also about what you shouldn’t’ do.
1. Establish Your Presence
Whether you are going to be at home or away on vacation, establish a convincing illusion of your presence. Have a television or stereo left on in a room near an entryway such as a side-door or first-floor window. Use timers to turn lights on at night, or use solar-powered motion detectors and exterior lighting to flush burglars out into the open.
2. Use Reliable Locks
The first thing an intruder will do is look for unlocked doors or windows. Simply having a lock isn’t enough, if it can be easily jimmied or pried open. You can use smart locks to control locking or unlocking remotely from an app, but also install 1-inch deadbolts on any exterior doors.
3. Look Before Exiting
Being at home you may be just as susceptible to a break-in as if you are away. Don’t even answer a knock on the door without looking first. If it is a stranger, you can call through the door before opening. You should also never leave your front door unlocked when working out in the backyard. Someone can easily take advantage of the moment of opportunity.
4. Skip the Spare Key
4. Skip the Spare KeyMany people hide their spare keys in the most obvious locations. A thief will know exactly where to look.
Your best options are to make the hiding spot clever and nearly impossible to access. You can also leave a set of keys with a neighbor you trust. You can even change out your door locks for keyless entry.
5. Close the Garage Door
A garage provides direct entry to your house, so keeping the garage door closed at all times, even when you home can prevent unwanted visitors. Never leave your car in the driveway unlocked, as would-be thieves can take your garage entry remote and come back later to get what they want.
6. Keep Drapes Shut
While you may like natural light flooding in through the windows, allowing everyone on the street to see your new flat screen tv can be an invitation for crime. Use blinds or drapes that protect your home from scrutiny on the street, making it harder for a burglar to guess is someone is home or if the contents are worth the effort.
7. Use the Bank
Whenever possible, you should keep all your valuables at a bank and out of reach of an intruder. Safety deposits boxes are great for cash or jewelry whenever you are away from home for extended periods of time.
8. Adjust Your Ringtone
Although many people rely on their cell phones as primary means of communication, some folks still have a landline at their home. If you are going away on vacation, turn the ringer down to the lowest possible setting. A phone always ringing may signal passersby that someone isn’t home. Also, rely on a friend or neighbor to get your mail, or you can go online and put a hold on your mail with the post office.
Final Thoughts
These are eight ways to improve the safety of your home and its contents, whether or not you are there. Proactive measures are the best form of defense against crime.
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Safeguarding your home and its contents is usually a priority for most homeowners and here are 8 tips for how to safeguard your home. #homesecurity #tipsAbout the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Top 8 Tips for Safeguarding Your Home | Home Security Advice”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.