Home Security Tips
Following a few home security tips can provide you with a wealth of protection. It is a most invasive feeling to know that someone has been inside your home, when you are not there. Can you imagine knowing that a stranger has gone through your most personal possessions?
Close your eyes, and imagine this. You arrive home late one night from work. When you pull into the drive you notice lights are on, which you did not leave burning. As you near the back door, your heart leaps when your eyes set upon the four inch crack of openness.
For a split instant, your mind tries to reason with your fears. You think, "I was in a hurry this morning, maybe I didn't close the door well", but in your heart, you very well know that it was securely shut and locked behind you. With shaky hands, you push against the cold wood grain, so that the door swings open widely. As soon as you step inside you see papers strewn across the floor, and the drawer to your oak desk split into pieces on the floor, as if someone has hurriedly tossed it aside. Your heart begins to thump so rapidly that you can almost hear the rhythm of each beat.
Making your way through the rest of the home, you become ill to your stomach. You glance over at the entertainment center to see a dulling emptiness. The spot where the big screen sat is now vacant. Adjacent to it, on the coffee table, is another void. Your laptop is gone, along with a large amount of personal information. The rest of the house is no better. There are clothes thrown about everywhere, lamps and tables knocked over. Your home has been invaded, your privacy violated.
Unfortunately, a large number of people have experienced a home invasion, such as the one described above. Don't fall victim to this. Below are a few home security tips which will help to keep you and your family safe.
- Do not rely solely on doorknob locks. Though good, they simply don't provide enough security.You need to have deadbolt locks on each door. Deadbolts are more heavy duty and hard to penetrate.
- Do not leave notes or messages taped to your door. Many people often make the mistake of leaving notes for repairmen, family or friends. This is a huge mistake! Keep in mind that though the note may be addressed to your sister or neighbor, anyone can read it. So if you say "Sorry that I missed you. I have to work until 11:00 pm", you are virtually telling anyone who may read the note what time you will be home. This gives a an unwelcome guest a time range for doing his nasty work, without being caught.
- Do not leave keys hidden anywhere outside of your home.
- If you must be away for an extended period of time, make it look like someone is there. Remember to call and place all deliveries, such as newspapers, on hold. As well, ask someone to check your mail daily, and switch the lights around so that it looks as if someone is home.
- One of the best home security tips, is to strongly consider having a home security system installed.