Keeping your family and valuables safe doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. Doing these simple things every day can make a huge difference.
10 Things You Can Do Every Day to Make Your Home Safer
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Take In Your Mail, Newspapers and Door-to-Door Advertising
Don’t let your mail sit in your mailbox overnight, pick it up every day. Shred mail with sensitive information, like credit card offers. Also, don’t leave your mail in your car. if you do, it’s like you’re advertising where you live. To keep all your mail organized and sorted check out this easy DIY project.
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Arm Your Security System
This may seem like a big DUH, but we’ve all done it. You’re in a hurry, so you run out the door without setting the alarm and you justify it by saying you’ll only be gone a short time. But, according to SafeWise, most thieves can get in and get what they want in 10 minutes or less. Just set the alarm.
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Close Blinds and Curtains After Dark
When night falls, if your windows aren’t covered, it’s easy for anyone to see into your home. This makes it possible for someone casing your house to see where the interior doors are and where your TV and other electronics are located. Block their view and they’ll move on to another house. For window treatment inspiration check out these awesome ideas.
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Secure Your Sliding Patio Door
Whenever your sliding patio door isn’t open, place a wood or metal rod in the track to help stop thieves.
For additional ways to stop thieves, here are 50 more helpful tips.
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Keep the Garage Door Closed
The garage is an easy access points for thieves, so keep it closed whenever possible. You don’t want anyone to see what you have in the garage and leaving the door open is just asking for trouble. Check out these tips to make your garage door burglar-proof.
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Fake Goodbyes
Even if you’re the last one to leave the house in the morning, pretend to say goodbye to someone as you leave. This gives the impression (to anyone watching) that there is someone home and likely will make them think twice about breaking in. Here are 13 inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.
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Display Warning Signs
You don’t have to have a dog to have a “Beware of Dog” sign on your house. Deter would-be thieves with signs that say you have a dog, even if you don’t.
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Lock Windows and Doors
Even when you’re home, keep your windows and doors locked. According to the Bureau of Justice, an estimated 3.7 million household burglaries occurred each year on average from 2003 to 2007, and in about 28% of these burglaries, a household member was present during the burglary.
According to the same survey about 40 percent of the burglaries, the thief gained entry through an unlocked door or window. To add more security to your windows check out this DIY project for simple window locks.
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Sleep With Car Keys
You don’t have to keep them in bed with you, but put your car keys on your nightstand while you sleep so they’re within easy reach. Then, if you hear someone trying to break in, you can hit the car alarm button and maybe scare them off. Did you know you should wrap your key fob in foil? Here’s why!
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Keep Your Yard Free of Tools and Ladders
Sometimes all thieves need to break into a home is a little help. Gardening and power tools can be used to break windows and doors and a ladder is an invitation to enter an open second-story window. These tips from home security installers will help you protect your home.
