Many people opt to buy a home security system for the peace of mind that it can provide. Who among us doesn’t want to protect their family, after all? But before you purchase a home security system, you need to make sure you take the time to do your research.
If you have a vacation home that you do not spend much time at, a home security system could be a worthwhile investment. This will automatically alert you and the local authorities if something happens to your home while you are away such as a fire, break-in or other problem.
Keep hedges and vegetation trimmed and away from doors and windows. Large bushes may look nice, but they provide easy cover for potential home invaders. If you can, try to keep an open area completely surrounding the perimeter of your home, and if you have vegetation, keep them well trimmed.
Protecting and covering outside wiring can be beneficial in increasing your home security. With the current prices of copper, thieves target easily available copper wiring, especially around air conditioning units. It is also important to secure and cover wiring to prevent intruders from cutting phone lines and power supplies to alarm systems.
Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.
Don’t hide your spare house key in an obvious place outside. The days of safely hiding the spare key under the doormat are long gone. Placing your key in an obvious area like this now may help you if you get locked out, but it could also be an invitation for a thief to enter your home. It’s best to avoid hiding spare keys on your property. You should either keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor or get a fingerprint or keypad door lock.
Each of your exterior doors needs to have a solid lock installed, which means a deadbolt. If there is an existing deadbolt on the door, check to be sure it is at least one inch long. If not, you should be able to replace the lock yourself. Simply go to a hardware store and shop around.
Always lock your home up tight. Even if you are just popping over to a neighbors house, you need to ensure your house is secure. Most break ins happen with no damage at all – the thief just walks through an open door or slips through an open window somewhere.
There are several different factors to consider when deciding on which home security system to purchase for your home. Security systems can vary widely in their complexity, pricing, and the degree of control they provide you. Make sure you’ve thought about what your security needs are, and research your options wisely!