Words to the Security Wise

The best home security tip is the caution that you shouldn’t ever be complacent about home security.

You hear the term “safe neighborhood.” It generally means one in which the homes are more costly in comparison with other parts of the city. The fact is, however, that there is really no “safe” neighborhood. Any home in any neighborhood can be a target for a burglar or other unwelcome intruder.

In a report by the U.S. Justice Department statistics indicated that each year every U.S. family has a 25 percent change of becoming the victim of some serious crime. The same report states that a U.S. residence is burglarized every 11 seconds.

Another important home security tip is to remember, as you are preparing yourself for vigilance against burglary and other human intruders you must also keep in mind that other enemies can attack as well. These enemies are fire and carbon monoxide. The installation of fire and smoke detectors as well as devices for alerting you to the presence of unsafe carbon monoxide or radon levels are home security tips that can save your life and the lives of other loved ones in your home. You should always have fire extinguishers easily accessible and everyone should know how to use them. You should also periodically practice emergency evacuation procedures - a home fire drill. Don’t forget to periodically check the batteries on all your detectors.

One seemingly obvious home security tip is to keep your doors and windows locked, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who do not do so. Think about it. Have you ever walked to the dumpster with a bag of garbage and left the door open? Have you ever slept under an open first floor window on a hot summer night? Most burglaries and home intrusions occur between 8am and 5pm and 80 percent of burglars gain entry through open doors and windows. Lock both, preferably with deadbolts, and never leave your extra key in an obvious place such as under the doormat, outside planter, or over the door sill.

The next home security tip is to never allow strangers into your home. Even someone who appears in a utility or emergency personnel uniform should be asked for identification. Install peepholes in your doors and use them. Do not rely on door chains. These are far too easily broken.

The next home security tip is to keep lights on at night, both inside and outside. Make your home look occupied and keep the outside of your home exposed so no one has a safe unseen hiding place. Purchase timing devices that will turn on lights and maybe even a TV or stereo while you are away.

Besides a carbon monoxide detector, an additional home security tip would be to have a professional inspect your furnace or other home heat system for the emission of carbon monoxide each year before the cold season sets in. Other sources of carbon monoxide that should be checked periodically include kitchen stove, fireplace, water heater and chimney. You should never leave your car running in an enclosed area, even if it’s only for a short time.

Source:
http://www.pattystearns.com/real_estate_humboldt/selling_resource_articles/home_security.cfm

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