5 Simple Home Security Tips

Make home security a priority.  Although there is a booming home security industry that will provide products from surveillance camera to home alarm systems, the best home security system is one that is simple and one that works.  Having a high tech alarm system can be impressive.  Likewise installing the latest security cameras is commendable.  But before you dish out exorbitant amounts of cash to protect your home, it is prudent to keep these simple and practical security tips.

Lock your doors

Locking your doors is a simple and practical home security strategy.  But I am surprised at home many households forget to lock their doors.  They may lock the main door but forget to lock other points of entry in the house.  As logical and as simple as it may sound, people still forget.

Here are some suggestions to you won’t forget to lock your doors:

·         Assign someone to lock them at night or when going out

·         Place a to do list before going out or sleeping at night

·         Go over the home security checklist before leaving the house

·         It pays to have someone confirm that the house is locked before leaving

Change locks when they are broken

Another effective way to protect your home without having to buy expensive home security systems is to change locks when they are broken.  This is simple and straight forward.  Yet many homeowners still opt postpone this important task.  The longer you have broken locks the greater your risk.  So it is prudent to check your locks regularly.  Moreover, test them if they are worn out and need replacement.  They may still work but because of their condition, they are easily compromised.

Do not let strangers in your home

Do you remember what you parents told you about not letting strangers in the home?  Well, it still holds true.  But now, some lawless people have become creative.  They would pretend to be police officers, mailman, or pretend to be from a company to check on some home utilities and services.  Moreover, they would come with plausible stories just to get in your homes.  But remember, if you do not know the person be very careful.

Before you let someone in your home do the following:

·         Ask for an identification card

·         Look for a job order if he says he needs to check or repair something

·         It is prudent to call the company or place of work of the person to verify his identify

·         Never open the door for a stranger.  If you must open the door, make sure the chain lock is still hooked.

·         When the person becomes more aggressive, shut the door and call the police – even if the person in front of your house looks like a police or security personnel.

Use home security equipment that work

Another logical but rarely checked strategy is to use home security system that works.  Thus, purchasing from a reliable alarm system company or home security company is important.  You need to test the security or alarm equipment before you purchase it.  Moreover, it pays to have experts install it for you.  Of course you can save more by setting it up on your own.  But make sure you follow the directions properly.

Reminders for your home security and alarm system:

·         Check that the equipment has ample power source – whether it is batteries or plugged in your outlet

·         Check that it functions properly at least twice a year

·         You may need to move the location of your surveillance cameras if you change the furniture – this will ensure proper coverage

·         Check for parts that may be worn out so you can replace them immediately

·         Make sure everyone in the house knows how to use the equipment – e.g. fire extinguishers

Teach everyone safety reminders

Even if you have a lot of home security gadgets, it won’t do you much good is the members of your household do not know how to use them.  Likewise, it is critical that everyone in the home knows what to do in case of an emergency.  Small actions like calling for help can save lives.

Teach home security to your household:

·         Teach everyone whom to call in case of emergencies

·         Have an emergency evacuation plan – teach it and do drills

·         Show how to act during different emergency situations – e.g. earthquake, fires, home invasions, medical emergencies

·         Let everyone know where to go and what to take during emergencies – assigning tasks is important

Every home needs to be safe.  With a little common sense you can turn your home into a fortress without the expense.  Practical steps towards home security are important.  And the responsibility is shared by everyone.