There’s no place like home. It’s where life unfolds, memories are made, and your most treasured belongings reside. Protecting it means safeguarding not only your possessions but also your sense of security. From simple habits to smart upgrades, here are some practical tips that keep your home safe and your peace of mind intact.
Secure your doors and windows.
Your doors and windows are the primary entry points to your home, so it’s essential to ensure they only welcome invited guests. Here’s how to keep them secure.
- Check and maintain locks: Regularly inspect locks on doors and windows. Repair or replace any that are broken or show signs of wear.
- Lock up when you leave: Always keep doors and windows closed and locked when you’re not at home to deter unwanted visitors.
- Install window alarms: Affordable, adhesive window alarms are a simple way to deter burglars. These devices emit a loud sound if tampered with, scaring off potential threats.
- Enhance front door visibility: Ensure you can see who’s at your door without opening it, whether through a peephole, camera, or nearby window. This reduces the risk of letting in uninvited visitors.
Light your home inside and out.
Lighting isn’t just about setting the right mood—it’s also a powerful tool for keeping your home secure.
- Illuminate the exterior: Ensure outdoor areas like entryways, driveways, and pathways are well-lit to make your property less appealing to unwanted visitors.
- Use layered lighting: Combine porch lights, path lights, and landscape lighting to eliminate dark spots around your home, making it harder for anyone to hide.
- Install motion sensor lights: These lights activate with movement, startling potential intruders and drawing attention to their presence.
- Automate your lighting: Use a smart device or timer to turn lights on and off when you’re away. This creates the illusion that someone is home.
Landscape your yard with safety in mind.
Take a look at your landscaping. Are there spots where intruders could hide, or easy access points like tree branches that could lead to an upstairs window?
- Clear overgrown areas: Remove any dense bushes, tall grass, or other overgrown spots that could provide hiding places near your home.
- Trim trees: Ensure tree branches are cut back so they don’t offer a foothold to access upper windows or levels.
- Secure your outdoor valuables: Make sure that your grill, lawn mower, and bicycles are out of sight. Lock your shed and your garage.
- Walk your property: Approach your home as if you were a stranger. Look for areas where an intruder could observe your comings and goings without being noticed. Take action to eliminate those hiding spots.
Invest in a security system.
A professionally installed security system not only deters burglars but also alerts authorities in the event of a break-in.
- Keep your alarm panel hidden: Avoid placing your alarm panel in view of the outside, where someone could see you arming or disarming it.
- Test your system regularly: Ensure your security system is functioning properly by testing it periodically.
- Address faulty alarms: If your alarm goes off frequently for no reason, that can cause it to be ignored. Have it repaired. Then tell your neighbors it is fixed.
- Advertise your security system: Display a window sticker or lawn sign to let potential intruders know your home is protected.
Don’t advertise to potential intruders.
Sharing certain information or leaving items visible can attract burglars and provide them with the perfect opportunity to strike. Protect your home by taking these precautions.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid placing valuable items where they’re visible from the street, such as near windows or in open garages. Keep your most important items in a safe.
- Secure garage windows and doors: Frost or cover garage windows to prevent anyone from peeking inside and always keep the garage door closed when not in use.
- Be cautious on social media: Avoid posting about recent purchases. Don’t share vacation photos while you’re away.
- Avoid obvious signals: Never leave notes on your door indicating you’re not home.
- Don’t leave spare keys outside: Common hiding spots like under a planter or welcome mat are the first places burglars will check. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Don’t have packages on your porch.
Porch pirates are a common danger in many neighborhoods, but a few simple steps can make it harder for them to steal your deliveries.
- Choose secure delivery locations: Have packages delivered to a secure pickup location or a locker if possible.
- Request signature confirmation: Require a signature for delivery to ensure someone is home to receive the package.
- Disguise your disposal: Avoid leaving branded boxes from expensive items, like TVs, in your trash or recycling where they’re visible. Break them down and conceal them to avoid drawing attention.
Establish a home safety network.
Do the things you need to do on a regular basis to check in on security for your home and your area.
- Get to know your neighbors: Build a network of trust by watching out for each other’s homes and reporting any suspicious activity.
- Connect with local police: Ask local law enforcement about past incidents in your area so you can take precautions against those types of incidents.
- Plan for when you are away: Stop mail deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, newspapers, etc. Arrange for services like lawn care, snow removal, or garbage pickup to make your home appear occupied.
Finally protect your home and your belongings with the right insurance, including personal property coverage. Taking these steps gives you peace of mind and ensures your home is protected no matter where life takes you.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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