Top 10 Ways to Secure Your Home and Keep Your Family Safe

Although it is a well known fact that using a state of the art monitored home security system is the absolute best way to protect your home and loved ones, there are other measures one can take to ensure a safe environment at home. The FBI as well as all other law enforcement authorities statistically agree and confirm that you are much less likely to be a burglary victim by installing a monitored alarm, however they also agree that it is an absolute necessity to take extra precautions which will in fact deter a burglar from targeting your particular home. The following is a list of what most security experts consider to be the most proficient as well as cost effective ways of equipping your home with additional layers of protection. As previously stated, the following list of measures is not to be considered an alternative or replacement to your monitored security system, but rather an enhancement to it.

1. Installing a closed circuit security camera system in your home is considered to be the number one method of deterring criminals from targeting your home. Although this method of deterring burglars is very effective, it many times is not possible because of the high price tag that comes along with it. One simple way of getting the visual effect of having a cctv system without the cost involved is to purchase what is referred to as “dummy cameras”. These cameras give the appearance of having a surveillance system on the exterior of the house, but are inoperable cameras and serve no other purpose. Some models even come with a red LED light which is powered by an inexpensive 9volt battery, which gives the illusion of being fully operational.
2. Another effective way to deter criminals, is by making sure your premises are well lit at night. Some years ago it was uncommon for burglars to attempt a break in at night, however today it is not uncommon whatsoever. Using flood lights around the perimeter of your home with timers to activate them at night is a great way to keep your home safe. If you are concerned about the excessive use of electricity that flood lights will produce, then put in flood lights with built in motion sensors, so they only turn on when movement is detected.
3. Using better locks is suggested as being one of the best ways of stopping or deterring criminals from targeting your home. The use of double key dead bolt locks on all entry doors creates a very difficult entry point for even professionals. If a burglar enters through a window but cannot exit through a door locked with key from inside, he must exit the same way he came in.
4. Although plush landscaping gives wonderful privacy from your neighbors, it has its drawbacks when it comes to security. Overgrown landscaping is a safe haven for would be burglars. It creates a barrier from all of your neighbors and makes for an easy entry into your home. Cut back all landscaping, especially in the rear of your home as to not make it impossible for anyone to see an intruder attempting to enter your home.
5. Create or join an existing neighborhood crime watch in your community. Statistics show that neighborhoods that have an established crime watch association are much less likely to have a series of break ins take place. These organizations help you know what is going on around your neighborhood and gives you regular one on one communication with local law enforcement officials.
6. When going on vacations make sure to leave a person responsible for picking up your mail as well as your daily newspapers. Especially in the summer months, burglars are scoping out neighborhoods to find homes which give the appearance of being empty for days or weeks at a time. Make sure your lawn is cut even if you are out of town and have timers installed on some outside lights to give the impression of daily activity.
7. One of the best burglar deterrents is having a watch dog in the yard. Although this option is not for everyone, having a watch dog makes your home a much less likely candidate for a burglary attempt. Even though dogs require a lot of attention, the return you receive in securing your hoe is well worth it.
8. Do not attract attention by leaving any valuables in your vehicles outside the home. If you have a garage, keep your vehicle inside the garage during the day and especially at night. Make sure to close the garage roll up door at all times. Burglars quite often drive around looking for an easy opportunity, like an open garage door.
9. Outdoor photo electric beams are an excellent way of preventing anyone from entering your property unauthorized. Although these units can be very expensive to install, the security they provide in any home far outways the expense. If you decide to install these beams in your home, make sure no dogs or neighbors will be able to wander into your yard.
10. The last way you can make you and your family safer is to make sure you are always aware of your surroundings at all times. When exiting your car take a good look around prior to getting out. If anyone knocks on your door, ask who it is and if you are not expecting anyone do not open the door under any circumstance.