WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER

With the advent of COVID-19, you might be feeling anxious and unsafe. While there are some things you can’t control, this guide talks about what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.

In general, your home is a safe place. However, there are always risks.

The good news is that by incorporating just a few tips, your home can be even safer than it is now. By combining several different products and approaches, you can begin to create a home security plan.

Here are 10 tips to make your home a safer place.

Home security tips

1. Get an alarm system:

It’s hard to determine exactly how many potential intruders are put off by home alarm systems. You’ll see conflicting answers as you peruse the web. Some burglars won’t mess with security systems. Some are comfortable disabling certain brands. But regardless of how they feel about alarm systems, most would-be burglars don’t want to be caught. So get a security system, preferably one that still alerts even when disabled. Chances are a burglar will skip over your place to go for an easier target

2. Permit/license your alarm:

Own an alarm? Check if your city requires a permit or license.

Operating an alarm system without a valid permit can be a misdemeanor.

Licensing your alarm makes it easier for the police department to respond to you. It also helps you avoid potential fines should they respond to your unregistered alarm. In some cities, operating an alarm system without a valid permit is a misdemeanor. That means you could face a hefty fine and even potential time in the county jail.

3. Add window sensors:

Window sensors are also known as open/closed or entry sensors. When added to a window or a door, they’ll let you know if it opens or shuts. Protecting potential entrances is a great step toward securing your home.

Sensors can be part of both a home security system and a home automation system. You can create cause and effect actions that span both. For example, you could set the sensor to turn on your bedroom light if your door opens after midnight. Or you can have it send you a text if the door opens while you’re away.

4. Add glass break sensors:

A glass break sensor listens for the sound of glass breaking. These little beauties are especially handy in a room with more than one window.

5. Add a security camera:

Security cameras work both with a home security system and on their own. A camera’s presence may deter burglars, and if that doesn’t work, it’ll help catch them. Cameras are especially effective in catching porch pirates in the act.

6. Answer the door the right way:

Tell your kids not to answer the door without your express permission. Even someone they know can pose a danger to them. And when you see an unexpected stranger at your door, don’t let them inside. It’s better to be safe than polite.

7. Install a safety door:

Screen doors, like glass doors, are what they sound like. They can be cut or punctured for easy entry. Every screen door needs a safety door to go with it. That puts an extra layer between an intruder and the screen.

8. Use window film:

Front doors with side pane glass look nice but add a home security complication: privacy.

At night, you can see right through these windows into your yard. While it’s good that you can see other people, it’s bad that they can see you.

9. Trick intruders with light automation:

Light automation is a great way to make your home look lived in. Some home automation devices allow you to create custom schedules or even actions like “turn on lights if motion is detected” or “turn off lights when I’m not at home.”

10. Add a peephole:

A door peephole provides a wide-angle view of your visitors so that you can decide to let them in . . . or not.

Source: REVIEWS.org