Easy steps for a secure home

Securing your home is an important part of helping to keep your family, and your belongings, safe from intruders and burglars. Here are some easy tips that will give you a greater sense of security at home:

• Never neglect to lock up
  This probably seems like an unnecessary bit of advice, but, in reality, it's quite common to leave doors, windows, garages, etc., unlocked for lengths of time, especially for people living in places where they feel immune to crime. Make certain to keep entrances and window properly secured at all times, and keep the blinds and/or curtains closed when you're not at home. Leaving them open provides would-be-burglars the perfect opportunity to assess the number of valuables you might have available to them.


• Look after your keys
  Keep the keys to your home with you at all times. Don't practice hiding extra sets of keys in outdoor plants or any other obvious places, as these tricks are all very well known to burglars. If you feel it's necessary to have an extra set of keys stashed somewhere, pick an absolutely unconventional spot, or leave them with a trusted neighbor. If you ever lose your keys, or if they are stolen - don't hesitate - change your locks right away.


• Construct a fence
  If you're building a new home, make sure to include a fence as part of the project. If you purchase a home that isn't fenced in, it's a good idea to plan on having one installed on the property. The benefits of having a fence are many - they turn away the wandering eyes of burglars who might be in your area looking for homes that seem to be easy targets, they provide additional privacy for you and your family, and they actually deter burglars from trying to enter your home, as thieves will almost always choose the path of least resistance. With a wide variety of materials to choose from, fences can be constructed/installed on almost any property, to suit any taste or budget.


• Invest in an alarm system
  The burglar alarm system is one of the best ways of providing safety and security for your family. Modern systems offer monitoring for a variety of different situations, from the most basic, and beyond. The passcode for your alarm system should only be provided to a select number of close, trusted adults.


• Install a surveillance system
  Cameras positioned strategically around your property not only provide you with the opportunity to monitor the premises for suspicious activity, they also act as a deterrent for criminals. Surveillance systems come with a wide variety of options to choose from - from the most basic, to all the bells and whistles. Do some research to determine what sort of features best suit your needs.


• Maintain adequate lighting around your home and property
  Keeping these areas well-lit is an important aspect of home security. Make sure to have lights installed in vital areas, and keep them turned on at night, or, invest in motion sensitive lighting.


• Use deadbolt locks
  Equipping your home with deadbolts provides an extra layer of safety. Deadbolt locks should be installed on all doors that lead outside.