Your home is not only your largest financial investment, it is also a secure environment in which you and your family can relax and feel safe. Many items of value are stored inside your home. To protect your home and family against theft, it’s essential to safeguard your property against unwanted intrusion and burglary. A few simple steps can often make a big difference in the security and safety of your home.

Locks and bolts

By making it a habit to lock all doors and windows securely at night, you can protect yourself against crimes of opportunity. Deadbolts and chain locks on doors can also prove effective as deterrents. Sliding patio doors can provide a convenient and easy point of access to your home; while blocking the moving door with a pipe or wooden beam can be effective, a bolt lock is usually the best method of securing a sliding door. Never leave a hidden key outside. Burglars have a great deal of experience in finding these keys, no matter how cleverly hidden you may think they are.

Light it up

A brightly lit home presents a psychologically formidable challenge to burglars; most will avoid approaching a home where there are no convenient dark areas in which to hide. Motion sensor lights can also provide security, although they can also produce stress since they often are triggered by any motion, not just unwelcome intruders. Lights should be placed for maximum coverage, and positioned so that potential burglars cannot reach them to remove the light bulbs.

Vacation timing

If you and your family will be away from home for an extended period of time, buy timers for your lights and television set. Randomized timers are preferable to strictly scheduled ones, but either is better than no timers at all. Additionally, enlist the help of a trusted neighbor in ensuring that mail and newspapers don’t pile up in your absence. Prepaying to have your lawn mowed in summer is also a good step for making your home look lived in while you are away.

Security systems

Whether you opt for a do-it-yourself system or a professionally monitored service, home security systems can offer an extra measure of protection for your home. Typically, the kits available in home improvement stores feature alarms, sirens, and lights that go off if the perimeter is breached. This can give early warning and time to phone police in the event of a burglary when you are at home. For intrusions that take place when you are away, however, monitored systems provide the highest level of security, defending your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Companies that provide monitored systems often offer free equipment and installation in return for a long-term monthly monitoring commitment; a monthly charge applies to this service.

Insurance

Even the best-protected home can fall victim to burglary. Contents insurance is usually included as part of your overall home insurance plan, but it’s essential that you keep the policy updated to ensure sufficient funds to replace stolen items. Increasing limits as your possessions increase in value makes good financial sense and can prevent a second unpleasant surprise in the event of a burglary.

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