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Is Your Home Really Safe?
Do you always set your alarm?
You may think of using our home alarm system when you are away on vacation or going to work for the day. Have you thought about the fifteen minute when you go to the grocery store, the ten minutes you stop by the neighbor’s to chat, working in the yard or even the two minutes it takes you to walk to the mailbox and back? What about when you are home? You and your family are the most valuable possessions you have!
Beware if you think, “This won’t happen to me, because I live in a lovely, gated neighborhood.” Thieves, rapists and killers look for the one moment of opportunity to slip into your home. It could be through an unlocked door or window. Just because you close the doors or windows, it does not mean they are entry-proof.
Amazingly…nearly half of the homes that are robbed do not have their alarm systems turned on! Don’t be caught off guard; use multi-layers of protection. This includes, but not limited to, motion and light sensors, window locks, deadbolts, security cameras, voice intercom at entry doors, guard dog or a yappy puppy.
Do you have your alarm company sign posted?
If so, take it down and replace it with a generic sign that reads, “Home Protected by Professional Security System.” That way, you are not giving away inside secrets as to which system you are using. Thieves can easily get a hold of the information needed to disarm a particular system.
Do you keep your curtains open?
It is a great pick-me-up to have a golden ray of sunshine beaming through your living room window during the day. Although, if you can see out, then others can see in. If you would like to let the sunlight enter, turn your shades so the slats angle down, not up. This way, you can see out, but it is very difficult to see in. Remember, shears are called shears because they are just that…shear! Be especially wary of first floor windows after dark. Don’t forget to close the shades all the way at night.
Can you see in your front door area?
This is basically the same concept as your windows, only worse. Since most front doors are near the stairs or main hallway, you can be seen approaching the door to check out who is there. Even if you cover the entry windows with shears or stained glass, your shadow can be detected. Additionally, if you have a peep hole in your front door, someone can peek in at you as well as you can peek out at them. A better solution is to have a solid wood or steel door without any windows or peep hole. Make sure to have deadbolts on all entry doors.
Invest in a security camera and voice intercom for the front entry. Place a “No Trespassing” sign by your driveway, a “Beware of Dog” sign on your back fence and a “No Solicitors” sign by your front door. You may not win the “Friendliest Neighbor” award, but you will at least be alive long enough for your neighbors to despise you.
Do you leave the same lights on constantly?
Purchase inexpensive timers for a few lights throughout your house. Set them as you would normally use them. With your lights going off and on a regular basis, no one will be suspicious. Keep driveways and front entrances well lit. Outside lights should be on motion sensors.
Do you have shrubbery too close to the windows?
Keep window and door areas free of overgrown bushes and trees. Additionally, make sure to put away your ladder at the end of the day. A ladder left out is an open invitation to your second story windows!
Do you always answer the doorbell, even when you are not sure who it is?
If you do, you need to have your head examined! Turn on the nightly news for enlightenment. With many criminals, it is just a numbers game. Your house may be selected at random. Even if the person appears to be legit, ask for identification, especially if you did not call them.
Once you have their information, call to check them out. Call the number listed in the phone directory, not the one on the business card. That could be a scam.
If the person is legit, they will not be offended by being checked out and will appreciate your precaution. Another benefit is that you will not be guilted into buying candy and promotional items for the neighborhood school kids!
Are all your valuable hidden in the bedroom?
Burglars will check the bedroom first before going anywhere else. They know to look under the mattress, in the dresser drawers, in coat pockets and shoes, etc. If you do not have a lock box or a safe, be creative. Use a hollowed out book
Do you have a regular routine that can be easily followed?
Do you seem to do the same routine things every day? A criminal mind will fixate on the times when you are away; therefore, alter your schedule so you are not predictable. This will throw them off.
Do you receive your mail at home?
This is not a good idea, unless you have a very secure mailbox. Even so, it is not a good idea to put your home address on your credit card bills, monthly statements, etc. Instead, invest in a small mailbox at your local US Post Office. It is not very expensive, and your mail will be secure. Be sure to send in a courtesy “Hold Mail” card when you are out of town.
Do you tell your neighbors or coworkers you when you will be out of town?
Only tell one trusted friend or neighbor. Do not announce it to everyone you know! By all means, do not leave a voice mail message stating you are out of town. This includes not using an auto out-of-the-office email response.
Safety Tips:
* Change your garage doors to solid doors without windows. Park your car in the garage. No one will know if you are home or not. This will keep a burglar guessing, especially if you have lights on in different areas of your house.
* Back your car into the garage so you can pull straight out when you leave.
* Don’t turn your car engine off until the garage door has completely closed.
* Leave your keys in your car in case of an emergency or a quick get-away. Bonus – you won’t waste time looking for your keys!
* Do not drive away until the garage door closes completely.
* When returning home after dark, pick your mail up while still in your car.
* Use automatic outside flood lights and motion sensors that clearly light up your driveway and walkways by your house.
* When traveling, use the hotel safety box at the front desk. Do not leave the key in your hotel room. Lock your electronics in your suitcases while you are out.
Stevee Ashlock resides in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She has been in the entertainment business for over twenty-five years and is the owner of Stoneybrook Productions, an entertainment production and multi-media marketing company. http://www.stoneybrookproductions.net
Ms. Ashlock is dedicated to her international charity involvement, focusing on women and children issues.
You may contact Ms. Ashlock at stoneybrookprods@prodigy.net
Tags: alarm systems, burglars, Home Security, killers, protecting your home, rapists, safety tips, thieves
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