Living Flora - Secrets of Gardening

How To Avoid Common Home Security Mistakes

First and foremost, home security is all about common sense.  Even if you don't have a home alarm system or similar device installed in your home, there are still many things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Following are some common mistakes that people make when it comes to securing their homes.  Being aware of what you might be doing wrong is an important first step to correcting the problem and decreasing your risk of becoming a victim of robbery and break-ins.

Believe it or not, many people with home alarm systems simply forget to turn them on, and of course this is not helping them at all to deter potential intruders.  Make sure that your home alarm is updated and activated any time you leave the home.  Even if you will just be going out for a few minutes, make sure the alarm is activated.  It's quite impressive how much a burglar can make off with in just a short amount of time.  You should also routinely test the alarm and check with your security company for equipment updates.

Probably the biggest no-no when it comes to home security is hiding a key anywhere in your home or on your property.  Think you are clever and have found a spot that no one will find?  Think again, burglars know where to look and if you have a key hidden anywhere, they will find it.  If you are considered about losing your keys and locking yourself out, consider purchasing an electronic keypad or fingerprint door lock.  Forget about leaving a key under the doormat, in a potted plant or even in one of those fancy rock-look-alike devices; you are just putting your home at a greater risk and making it easier for a burglar to get in.  On the subject of keys, never leave a set of house keys in your car, even if the automobile is securely locked, breaking a window to get in is pretty simple and that set of house keys is easily in the prowler's reach.

Another common home security mistake many people often make is surrounding their homes with shrubbery and extensive landscaping.  Although on the surface this might seem to give you a better sense of privacy and security, you are actually better off if your home and yards are in clear view.  Burglars can use large trees and bushes as hiding places; avoid giving them this opportunity by keeping your property in plain sight.  In addition, if neighbors and passerbys have a clear view of your home, it is more likely they will be able to alert authorities in the event of any suspicious activity or trespassers on your property.

Making sure all the locks to your doors and windows are functioning and in good working order is one measure you can't afford not to take.  Many homeowners decide to 'wait till tomorrow' if they encounter a broken lock and often end up putting this task off much longer.  Even if the window is on the second or third story, any defective lock should be replaced immediately; burglars can reach any part of your house even if it appears inaccessible to your eye.  Also make sure that any garage doors or storage sheds are securely closed and locked at all times.