Basic Home Security Tips



None of us likes to think about crime, but it is a fact of life, wherever you live, and whatever your lifestyle. Still, you don't have to be defenseless. A little common sense, along with implementing some of the home security tips here, can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.

Use Sturdy Locks on Doors and Windows Dead bolt door locks and sturdy window latches can help to prevent burglaries, and are probably among the most basic of home security tips. Don't forget a "charlie bar" for the sliding patio door, and extra "channel locks" for sliding windows. Also, install peepholes in exterior doors, and adequate porch lights, so you can see who is outside without opening the door.

Exterior Lighting Reduces Crime Burglars do not want to be seen, so do not accomodate them. Leave exterior lights on all night, or install inexpensive light-sensitive sockets that allow your lights to come on at dusk and go off at dawn. For even more home security and an added "surprise factor", install motion-sensitive lights, if you prefer. If you were to get home security tips from a burglar, this one would be near the top of his list.

Light Up and Make Noise Any time you are away, whether for the evening or for a vacation, set up some interior lights with automatic switches to turn them on and off at irregular times. Leave a TV or radio on to create some noise, and give the impression your house is occupied.

When You Go Away Don't forget to stop mail and newspaper deliveries, and never leave a note on your front door informing deliverymen that you are away. Arrange for someone, preferably a friend, relative, or neighbor, to mow your lawn. If possible, leave an extra car parked in the driveway, to give the appearance that someone is home. It also stops burglars from pulling up to the garage and gaining an easy way to haul away your belongings!

Hide That Spare Key Don't think that burglars don't know the common hiding places, like under the doormat, under a flower pot, or along the top of the door trim. If you must conceal a key outside, put it in an illogical place that takes some work and ingenuity to get at. This is another very basic home security tip that many people ignore.

Don't Provide a Hiding Place Some burglars like to hide in the bushes and watch your house to decide whether it is occupied. Similarly, they look for a house that has large shrubbery that obscures an outside view of doors and windows that may wish to break in through. Trim your shrubbery so as not to help them out! A privacy fence may keep your nosy neighbors from looking in on you, but definitely detracts from your home security.

Participate in Neighborhood Watch Programs Many localities now have Neighborhood Watch programs, whereby neighbors get to know each other, become familiar with each other's vehicles, and generally look out for each other. The more active you are, the more likely your neighbors are to help you out in return, and local police departments are usually very willing to come to your meetings and provide all kinds of home security tips.

Mark and Inventory Valuables A thief doesn't want to get caught, so simply marking your valuables with your Driver's License or Social Security Number can be a good deterent. The best way to do it is with some sort of engraving or etching device, making it very difficult to remove the identifying marks. For added security, and/or insurance purposes, photograph or videotape your most valued and most expensive possessions, so that in the event of a loss, you can identify them if they are recovered, or substantiate your insurance claim.

Install a Home Security System Since you are here at our web site, this one should be obvious! It only costs at most a few hundred dollars to install a decent home security system. That sticker on your window acts as a strong deterent. Burglars like "targets of opportunity". The less your home looks like an "opportunity", the more likely burglars are to look for an easier target.

Follow these basic home security tips, and you are well on your way to true home security.

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