When people think of home security, they are inclined to think of electronic surveillance systems. However, there are other ways to protect yourself and your family from harm and intruders. I will give you my top ten tips for home security.
1] Windows are really the key to home security. Window-stays become loose or sloppy as they get older and now and then you can get a window-stay to jump off its peg by thumping the outside window frame. Fit window stay locks
2] Doors must be robust, well-hung on solid hinges and have secure locks. Fit deadlocks, especially on external doors.
3] Spare keys should not be secreted near the door under a mat, a flower pot or a rock. If you want to leave a key with a neighbour, choose the neighbour cautiously. Be cautious of those with teenage kids, their friends may become aware that the spare key in the fruit bowl is to your house.
4] Tools that can help a burglar must be locked away. Keep your shed and garage doors locked and if you have a ladder, chain and lock it to a fixed point like a wall.
5] Dogs are useful for home security, but they should not be relied on. Some thieves will poison a dog to get in. If you leave your dog in the house, get a box to fit inside your door to collect whatever comes in, lock the letter box closed or seal it off for good. If you leave the dog in the yard, try to get a neighbour to check up on it from time to time.
6] Plants and bushes should not be allowed to grow big enough to obstruct anyone's view of windows and doors. Passers-by and 'nosy neighbours' are a big disincentive to thieves, but if no one can see a ground floor widow, the burglar can gain access unnoticed. if you do want bushes under your windows, make them tough, thorny ones.
7] Boundary walls or fences are your first line of protection. They can be a good disincentive, if you get the design right. Some people embed broken glass into the top of the wall, but this may be illegal and can hurt unsuspecting cats. The best thing to do is nail carpet-gripper just below the top, inside lip of the wall. Anyone putting their hands over the wall to pull themselves up will get a very horrible shock and leave DNA.
8] Valuables should not be displayed near windows. Your house is your home not a presentation case. Put your TV, DVD player and video recorder in a cabinet, maybe get a safe for your valuables and hide that too.
9] External lighting is a key part of nocturnal security. Get garden lights that are activated by motion (microwave) or heat (passive infra red), put at least one on each external wall of your house.
10] Electronic surveillance systems are a necessity these days. You do not need cameras, but they are helpful for identifying intruders. Your home security system can be wired or wireless, monitored or not.
These top ten home security tips should prevent your home from becoming an easy target for burglars.
1] Windows are really the key to home security. Window-stays become loose or sloppy as they get older and now and then you can get a window-stay to jump off its peg by thumping the outside window frame. Fit window stay locks
2] Doors must be robust, well-hung on solid hinges and have secure locks. Fit deadlocks, especially on external doors.
3] Spare keys should not be secreted near the door under a mat, a flower pot or a rock. If you want to leave a key with a neighbour, choose the neighbour cautiously. Be cautious of those with teenage kids, their friends may become aware that the spare key in the fruit bowl is to your house.
4] Tools that can help a burglar must be locked away. Keep your shed and garage doors locked and if you have a ladder, chain and lock it to a fixed point like a wall.
5] Dogs are useful for home security, but they should not be relied on. Some thieves will poison a dog to get in. If you leave your dog in the house, get a box to fit inside your door to collect whatever comes in, lock the letter box closed or seal it off for good. If you leave the dog in the yard, try to get a neighbour to check up on it from time to time.
6] Plants and bushes should not be allowed to grow big enough to obstruct anyone's view of windows and doors. Passers-by and 'nosy neighbours' are a big disincentive to thieves, but if no one can see a ground floor widow, the burglar can gain access unnoticed. if you do want bushes under your windows, make them tough, thorny ones.
7] Boundary walls or fences are your first line of protection. They can be a good disincentive, if you get the design right. Some people embed broken glass into the top of the wall, but this may be illegal and can hurt unsuspecting cats. The best thing to do is nail carpet-gripper just below the top, inside lip of the wall. Anyone putting their hands over the wall to pull themselves up will get a very horrible shock and leave DNA.
8] Valuables should not be displayed near windows. Your house is your home not a presentation case. Put your TV, DVD player and video recorder in a cabinet, maybe get a safe for your valuables and hide that too.
9] External lighting is a key part of nocturnal security. Get garden lights that are activated by motion (microwave) or heat (passive infra red), put at least one on each external wall of your house.
10] Electronic surveillance systems are a necessity these days. You do not need cameras, but they are helpful for identifying intruders. Your home security system can be wired or wireless, monitored or not.
These top ten home security tips should prevent your home from becoming an easy target for burglars.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with wired home security systems. If you are interested in Security Systems For Home Use, please click through to our site.