Home Security Tips :
Landscaping - Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from windows and entry points to avoid creating hiding places for
criminals to lurk.
Address - It is very frustrating and often increases the danger for all involved if emergency personnel cannot see your
street address numbers when responding to help you. Well-lit house numbers and reflective paint with numbers on the
curb at your driveway help a great deal.
Lighting - The lighting around your home is very important. Burglars like darkness and cover. Many lights are available
with motion detection that will automatically turn on when there is activity in the area. If possible make access to the
bulbs out of reach from ground level. There are many types of landscape lights available which add visibility around the
perimeter of the home.
Noise - This is probably the burglars worst enemy. A burglar alarm system with a siren mounted inside and outside the
home is a valuable deterrent. Often these alarms have devices that detect open doors, windows and even glass being
broken to make entry into the home. If it becomes to noisy, many times, your burglar will move on to an easier home.
Alarm Systems - Alarm Systems can significantly enhance security if installed and used properly. Phony "Warning:
These Premises Protected by the Alarm Company" signs are usually not effective; a serious burglar need only look in
the telephone directory to see whether an alarm company exists. Most companies won't let non-customers display their
emblem, and the burglars know that, too. There's no harm in using such signs, but don't "expect" them to provide any
protection.
Answering Machine - Don't leave messages on an answering machine stating you'll be away for any specific length of
time.
Garage Door - If you have electrically-operated garage doors, either disconnect or bolt the doors before you leave for
extended periods.
Locks - Always use the locks you have, on both your home and your garage. Lock up every time you go out, even if it's
only for a few minutes. Almost 50 percent of burglars enter homes or property through unlocked doors or windows.
Install dead bolt locks on your doors. Make sure it has at least a 1 inch draw into the door jamb.
Hide Keys - Never hide keys outside, such as under a bush or in a flower pot. Burglars know where to find "secret"
hiding places. It's much better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
Garden Shed - Keeping the garden shed securely locked with all tools stored away.
Valuables - Locking all money and valuables in a secure place, such as inside a home safe or inside a deposit box at
the bank. Don't place valuable items inside your house where they can be easily seen from the outside.
Ladders - Don't leave a ladder in the yard that a burglar can use to enter an open second-story window.
Pick-ups - Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers every day while you are on vacation. Have a
neighbor use your garbage cans occasionally. During the winter, arrange to have snow shoveled.
Dogs - If you don't have one - you should consider getting one. Even if the dog is not mean or a trained guard dog, the
site of one is a good deterrent. They also make allot of noise.
Rekey - Rekeying your home after you move in is one of the most important things you can do. Remember this, "Who
Has Your Keys"?
