Basic Home Security Guidelines

Somewhere, there is a burglary committed every 15 seconds, according to the FBI. There are several steps a homeowner can take to avoid becoming one of these statistics. Obviously, locking your doors is the first thing you can do. This and coordinating a watch system with your neighbors can be very effective and neither costs a dime. There are, however, security and alarm systems you can purchase for just about any budget.

When the security and safety of your family is at stake, any measures you take will be a step in the right direction.

It’s helpful to start with the mindset of a burglar and look at your house as if you’re trying to break in. This will help you spot any security weaknesses and areas that could easily be accessed by an intruder. Consider your unprotected windows that are low to the ground. Keeping shrubs and bushes trimmed can eliminate possible hiding spots as well.

It’s a good idea to do this at night to see how the lighting affects the outside of the house. This can help you eliminate any blind spots and shadowed areas that would allow someone to approach the house unseen. Also take into consideration how much of the interior can be seen from outside.

Start at the beginning and take care of the most obvious and inexpensive issues. Sliding windows can be barred by using a wooden or metal dowel. Good bolt locks will keep all but experience housebreakers at bay. Again, some type of neighborhood watch system is always a good idea as well.

A burglar wants to make his job as easy as he can. It doesn’t get much easier than when no one is home. An inexpensive way to fool them into thinking someone is home is to hook a few of your lights, and maybe a stereo or TV, up to a timer. Having these things turn off and on periodically is more convincing than leaving a few lights on for hours at a time. You can install several of these at a pretty reasonable price (less than $100).

Many home security systems available can cost as little as a dollar a day. That seems pretty reasonable compared to the alternative. It could also get you a discount on your homeowners insurance. There are some that you can install yourself. Battery backups are available to ensure functionality during power outages as well.

Many systems are rendered useless by the use of a good glass cutter. If the glass is broken or cut without the window being opened, no alarm will sound. There are systems available that feature vibration or motion sensors that will take care of that problem.

Every system has it’s flaws, but taking some of these simple and inexpensive measures can increase your chances.