Home security is very important to peace of mind, and many factors go into determining how secure a home will be. Most people find home security issues confusing and end up spendingmoney on measures that aren't really effective or appropriate for theirhome. Here are the issues you should consider in making your home moresecure.
Outdoor Home Security Factors
While installing a home security system is very effective, it is also important to address the low cost items first.
Burglars want to get the most loot in the shortest time with the leastamount of risk. To improve your odds, use motion detectors to activateoutdoor lighting and increase outdoor lighting. Make sure entrances andwindows are visible from a distance. Eliminate or trim shrubbery andtrees that can provide cover for thieves. When going out of town, makearrangements for lawn care, get someone to retrieve the mail andnewspapers, and use timers to mimic the lighting pattern of an occupiedhome.
Once a burglar decides to target a home, he attemptsto gain entry as inconspicuously as possible. Good window and doorlocks (such as deadbolts) can stop or at least slow down the intruder.Most give up if they meet too many obstacles.
Home Security Systems
If the intruder is persistent, anything from a barking dog to asophisticated alarm system can also help. Alarm systems vary enormouslyin their cost and sophistication. If your home has many valuables or isin a neighborhood subject to many thefts, it makes sense to go with amore sophisticated system.
All home security systems can be compromised or bypassed, but high-end systems stump all but the most masterful of thieves.
Most alarm systems include a system to initiate an alarm manually ifyou suspect an intruder. This can be very important for your personalsafety. Ideally, any unauthorized entry should trigger an alarm,encouraging the intruder to flee.
Many people choose to placethe alarm keypad for their security system at the front or back door oftheir home. It's a handy place, but thieves know that as well, so youmight want to have a second keypad installed in your bedroom or officeor use a dual system that needs two different disabling mechanisms.
Security doors won't be kicked in as easily as regular doors and can'tbe seen through. Motion detectors are a simple way to detect intruders,but sound, lasers and infrared (heat-tripped) detectors work even moreeffectively. A good rule of thumb is to choose a system that makes youcomfortable.
Home Security Check
Call yourlocal police department to see if they offer free security checks ofyour home. Adding extra security features should be driven by the"ambient" risks (e.g., location of neighborhood, the home'sattractiveness to thieves) and your own psychological well-being. Verylittle can stop a determined criminal, but every home protectionservice or feature you install will add to your peace of mind.
