Security Tips

Basic Home Security Guidelines

by David Parsons on 08/14/11

Did you know that according to the FBI, a home invasion takes place every 15 seconds on average? None of us wants to be a victim of burglary so what can you do to keep your home, possessions and family safe? Most actions are free and just require a little forethought and planning.

Start by walking around your home and think from the viewpoint of a potential thief. What possible areas can easily be compromised or forced open? Cutting back shrubbery that can act as camouflage or give a thief cover while he works to break in is always a good idea. Look at your home at night. Are there areas that need additional lighting especially along pathways, porches or breezeways.

Do you have sliding windows or doors? A sturdy wooden dowel or metal bar placed down in the track can prevent someone from jimmying them open. Another option is to install thumb turn devices or pins into window or sliding door tracks. These look nicer and can be positioned off the floor so that they are more conveniently located.

Criminals look for easy targets. Targets are much easier when there's no one at home. Tricking them into thinking you're home can be as simple and inexpensive as installing a few timers around the house. A light on all the time, especially during the day, makes it obvious that no one is home. But lights, stereos and TVs that go on at random times simulate normal use.

Good bolt locks won't keep out every professional, but they'll slow down many amateurs seeking the easy way in. Deadbolts make it much harder to pry a door open with a crow bar.

One of the most effective methods for preventing home invasion is to make reciprocal arrangements with the nearby neighbors to watch their place, while they watch yours.