Your Guide to Better Home Security

Your Guide to Better Home Security

Ensuring that your home is safe and secure of is greater importance today than ever before.  According to recent FBI statistics, an increase in home invasion crimes has been experienced nationwide.  In addition, this trend seems to be accelerating, rather than declining.  In short, it has never been more important that you know how to secure your home.  Here are a few ways that you can make sure your home is safe for you and your family.

Security Systems – With crime rates steadily rising, many homeowners and landlords are looking into home security systems.  For most people, ADT is the first choice when it comes to home security.  This stems from the company’s long history of providing the most advanced and complete home security available. Do not choose a self-installed option – these can actually detract from your security.  The security system is only as good as the monitoring center to which it reports.  A self-installed system does not offer any monitoring.  Only a professionally installed system from a company like ADT can provide you with 24-hour monitoring and the security that you need. Yard Signs – Yard signs are an important part of your home security. These signs proudly proclaim that your home is protected by a security system, giving thieves a reason to go elsewhere.  However, you do not even need to have a security system to make use of yard signs.  In addition, you should ensure that the signs are placed in prominent locations, able to be seen from the road.  They should also be replaced when they begin to fade – thieves know that a faded yard sign means that you do not take your security seriously.  Finally, window decals can be used as well.  These work in the same way as yard signs, but adhere to your ground floor windows.

Yard Maintenance – You should keep your yard well maintained.  A yard in good shape provides thieves with little cover as they make their way up the driveway or through the yard.  Keep your grass trimmed, shrubbery neat and consider removing any trees that grow near the home.  Trees with branches that reach toward the home should at least be trimmed.  Thieves can use these to gain access to your second floor windows and enter your home. In addition, if you choose to plant bushes or flowers around the base of your home, make sure that they are low-lying.  This deprives thieves of yet another source of cover during a break-in.

Floodlights – Consider adding floodlights to the exterior of your home.  These can be attached to inexpensive motion detectors so that they turn on when motion is sensed.  Place a pair of floodlights at each corner of your home, as well as one at your front door and one at your back door.  Thieves do not like bright lights shone on them when they are breaking into a home; it’s a detriment to their profession.  By illuminating the exterior of your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of a home invasion.

Many other security options exist, as well.  For instance, you can opt for a surveillance system attached to your security system.  This allows you to monitor your home in real-time, even when you are away.  Ensuring that you have the best safety techniques and technology in place will give you greater peace of mind about your family’s security.