Home Security Tips: Act Now for a Safer Home

Home security systems can help protect your property and family from burglary and other threats. But in terms of the big picture, there are so many other steps you can take to ensure the security of your home and the safety of your loved ones. Take heed to these basic tips to help protect against burglaries and house fires.

Tips for home security: Minimizing the chances of break-in

• Put locks on all your windows so that a burglar can't simply slide one open, climb through and steal your belongings. Locks are affordable and can be easily obtained from your nearest hardware store.
• Always keep your doors locked, even if you're at home.
• Always check to see who is knocking before opening the door. Burglars will often knock, wait for homeowners to open the door and simply push their way in.
• Check entrances you don't use often to make sure that they are secure. Garage doors and back patio sliding glass doors are often neglected and are vulnerable to exploitation by burglars.
• Consider installing motion detector floodlights to help eliminate hiding spots for burglars.
• Don't leave your house key in traditional hiding spots – under the doormat, under a nearby flowerpot or on the top of the door trim. Burglars know these locations as well as anyone. Consider leaving a key with a neighbor you trust.
• Have your newspaper and mail service paused while you go away for extended periods of time, or consider having your neighbor pick up your mail so it is not obvious that your home is unoccupied. If possible, also have your neighbor roll your trash can to and from the cub on garbage pickup day.

Tips for home security: reducing the risk of house fires

• Clean your dryer vents after each load of laundry. The accumulation of lent in home dryers is one of the most common causes of house fires.
• Make sure you replace or eliminate any electrical wiring in your home that has been damaged.
• Consider replacing your traditional candles with electric ones without flames, especially if you have small children. If you prefer traditional candles, NEVER leave them unattended.
• Keep towels away from the stove, especially while you're cooking.
• Be sure that when you grill outside, the area above the grilling surface is clear. It's possible for overhangs, eves or porch ceilings to catch fire.
• To avoid overheating, ensure that electronic devices are free from dust. Likewise, make sure any kitchen appliances are clean so that food particles don't catch fire.

A home security system can help you get help when you need it. Home security tips can help you avoid undesirable situations in the first place. There are also several helpful home security habits you can use to make the most out of your home security system and to further help prevent burglaries and house fires.