HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME???

Your home is your castle as the old saying goes, and it’s as true now as it was when it was first said. One should feel safe and protected in one’s home, and the threat of outside intrusion should never be a concern.

But, as we all know, bad things can and do happen to good people, and there are elements of society that would think nothing of breaking into your home and stealing anything of value if they thought they could get away with it. You want to make that possibility as unlikely as you can, and prevent criminals from viewing your home as an easy target. Home security systems are known to make burglars go elsewhere and seek easier prospects.

So, it makes sense to take a look at your home as a thief might, and get to work on implementing security measures to thwart any attempts to break in before anything happens. Unfortunately, many folks only begin to take their home security seriously after their lives have been turned upside down by someone violating their sacred space, their “castle”. People who go through the awful experience of having their home robbed or vandalized are often tortured by the knowledge that they could have done something to prevent the incident. Don’t let this be you. You always want to feel safe and secure in your own home, and you don’t need an experience that leaves you shaken and insecure.

Begin by taking a good look at all access areas to your home, like: outside gates, exterior doors and windows, and your car garage or shed if you have one. Ask yourself if exterior walls or fences are scalable, and if they are; how you would prevent access to the interior of the building. Do you have bushes or shrubs that could conceal an intruder? (Burglars love places that offer concealment while they attack) Do you have adequate lighting outside? Would a motion detector make sense in certain areas?

You may even want to ask a friend, relative or neighbor to help you with this. (Often others can see what you can’t.) Take lots of notes and give your home security needs some serious thought. Obviously you need to take your budget into account but it’s good to remember that decent home security does not need to be overly expensive nor overly sophisticated. In fact sometimes low tech security gadgets like a strong deadbolt lock or door jamb can be just as effective at preventing unauthorized access as can some of the more high tech home security system equipment.

Honestly assess weather your current door locks are strong enough, and if the door frames are sturdy enough to withstand an attempted forced entry. If not, you might want to consider new ones or consider various door alarm systems. How about your windows and sliding glass doors? Do the latches need to be stronger? Would a grill or shutters make sense? Or do you need sensor to alert someone if the glass is broken. Something to think about is preventing anyone who is outside from easily being able to see inside with blinds or drapes. How about your basement window security?

High end home security monitoring systems should be considered if your budget allows for it and if you have assets that warrant a high level of protection. These systems, which could include surveillance cameras, internet home monitoring and other automated systems, can tie in to security companies that are alerted if an alarm is triggered, and can alert authorities to send the police. If you are considering this level of security, then it probably makes sense to have a home security consultant assist you and help you compare different options. If you decide to go with a sophisticated high tech home security system, make sure that you and other members of the household completely understand the system and are comfortable using it.

Ones home is ones castle, and with a bit of thought and planning, it can also be your fortress.

Article Source: http://homeandsmallbusinesssecurity.com/home-security-means-feeling-good-about-where-you-live/