Home Security Solutions – Options that Work
If you watch the evening news on any given week day, you’re bound to be inundated with information about murders, burglaries, kidnappings and international crime. I know that I am in the home security business and need to stay on top of the crime that happens but it really sickens me to see the majority of any news broadcast being devoted to such a negative topic. It can be hard not to wonder about the safety of your home and family after hearing about how many depraved individuals are roaming the streets at any given time.
Thankfully, there are still relatively safe neighborhoods left in this country, although the population boom and unemployment rates are making them harder and harder to find. Whether you consider your neighborhood to be safe or not, is no excuse for not taking every possible precaution to protect your family. Consider the wide variety of home security solutions that are available on the market today, and choose the one that’s best for you. Here are some ideas to start with.
First of all, if your budget for home security solutions is very tight, think about purchasing equipment to reinforce or replace the security features that your home or apartment already has. These basic home security solutions are usually locks, chains and other locking mechanisms that can be installed on your windows and doors. If your home is old, the chances are that the locking mechanisms designed to keep you safe are also old. Examine door jambs to determine the weight of the screws that are keeping locks and latches in places. Rotting wood or loose, lightweight screws are an invitation for a thief to kick your door in with no problem.
If you are happy with the strength of the locking mechanisms that are included in your home already, then you might want to take your home security solutions up to the next level by adding electrical protection. Although many people immediately assume that you need to have a professional wire up your whole house before you can be safe, this is simply not true. There are many do-it-yourself home security solutions like magnetic alarms and wireless motion detectors that can be installed on a Saturday afternoon with the help of just a few tools.
If you are unsure of what type of home security solutions will really meet your protection needs while adding value to your home, you might want to speak with a local representative from a security specialist. Many of these companies will perform a safety assessment on your home at little to no cost. You can also ask the sales people at the home improvement stores that carry these supplies.
What Is The Best Home Security System
Since people know that I am a home security system specialist and have worked in this industry for the last 17 years, I often get asked what the best home security system is. It may suprise you to find out that the most expensive security system is NOT the best, nor is the cheapest home security system the best. People often expect me to say that the best home security system is the one that my company installs but that may not be the case for everyone and since I can’t get away with lying to people (really, I can’t people see right through me) I tell them that the best home security system is the one that they will use.
Here is my reasoning behind that answer.
You can install the best home security windows but if you don’t lock them, they won’t keep out a burglar.
You can install the best most expensive burglar alarm system or on the opposite end install a cheap home security system but if you don’t turn it on and/or keep it well maintained, it won’t do anything to keep out a burglar.
You can put in a do it yourself home security system or hire a burglar alarm company but if you never use it, it just uses your electricity and does nothing else.
Your home is where you are supposed to feel comfortable and secure, and using your home security system should be the last thing you should have to worry about. Using your security system should be second nature to you not a chore that you have to remember.
That’s why I say the best home security system is the one that you will use. If you know you won’t feel comfortable using a traditional burglar alarm system, then don’t install one in your home.
I know that there are more than a few burglar alarm professionals cringing at the very thought of what I just said but I said it anyway. I can hear what they are saying to themselves and they are right. The best time to install a home security system is BEFORE you need one. I totally agree with that but I also know that if you don’t feel comfortable using it, you probably won’t.
Therefore, take a look at YOU. Only you know what you are comfortable using.
If electronics isn’t your thing, then make sure that you have the best home security windows and door locks that you can afford. Train yourself to lock them until it becomes second nature.
If you are a dog lover, then you may want to consider getting a dog to guard your home. Just remember that if you go on vacation, you will be leaving your house unprotected.
There are some things that you can do to increase the appearance of having some sort of home security that doesn’t need to be turned on daily to work. Things like, flood lights that are motion activated, a home security sign, unobstructed views of your doors and windows from the street, and a whole lot more that I have discussed on this website and will discuss in the future.
Just remember that what works for one family, may not be the right home security solution for you. Until next time, stay safe.
Home Security: Do It Yourself Home Security
In the last year that the Bureau of Justice released Crime Statistics (2005)
–77% of all crime was property related
–On average nearly 17 % of all crime domiciles were violated by a burglar
–In 84% of burglaries, the offender gained entry into the house or other building.
Ask any expert in the field and they will tell you that 90% of all burglaries are preventable. So if the odds are so good that it will happen to you and it is such a preventable event-what is it you have to do to stop the burglars? I am so glad you asked.
Sometimes the best home security is implemented when you are the one making the assessment and any corrective action- a do it yourself home security plan.
Home Security Tips
Here are home security tips to think about that will definitely discourage or flat out stop a potential intruder from entering your house. It is not an all inclusive list but one that if followed will certainly go a long way toward making your home more secure.
- Take a critical look at your house from the outside. Is your house well lit? Are there hiding places near doors and windows? If you can spot a potential weakness in your home’s “look” you can bet a professional burglar can exploit it. Remember that light is a burglars’ enemy-darkness a friend.
- What could slow down a burglar from entering your home? Simple home security devices such as locks on doors(deadbolts are best) and windows, bars, grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter. The more time it takes to break into a home, the more discouraged a burglar will become. Time is the enemy of the burglar.
- How noisy can you make it if someone gains entry? Noise is also the enemy of the burglar. There are many home security alarms activated by doors or windows opening or by motion. The sound of a barking dog, real or recorded, are very effective and will scare most burglars away.
Lights, noise and time-they are the three biggest enemies of an intruder. If you implement these home security tips to fortify your house you may well avoid a lot of potential break-ins. But there are some other things that will help as well.
- Move valuables away from outside view. Don’t risk tempting someone. Consider putting small valuables in Diversion Safes.
- Start or join a neighborhood watch. Strangers usually stick out in a neighborhood and should be reported immediately to police.
- Make your house look occupied when you are gone. Burglars are much less likely to consider a house they feel is occupied.
- Lock your doors and windows Even when you are gone for a short period of time. Summertime presents a huge temptation to leave doors or windows open. Don’t give in to the temptation. I have seen so many garage doors open only one or two feet to let the heat out-just enough to let a burglar in.
Many police departments as a public service will offer advice on how to make your home more secure. Call for availability in your area.
There are several simple things you can do to make your home less prone to intrusion by a burglar. Start with an assessment on how to make your home well lit, more secure, and in the event of an entry-how to make it very noisy. Light, time, and noise are the enemies of the professional burglar.
