Home Security Tips                                    Home

Keeping your home safe from intrusion by criminals is important to your health and well being. The tips below will help keep your home safe while you're away and may save you money on your insurance as well.

Illumination
Darkness and shadows are a burglar's best friend. Use a light-timer to periodically switch on lights to give a "lived-in" appearance when you're not home. The use of motion-sensing floodlights will also make it harder for a home invader.

Install Locks/Security System
Use of deadbolt locks makes it harder for a burglar to force his way in. A full-service security system will deter him even further (always place the security "sticker" in your window). Although neither are guaranteed to absolutely protect your home, the longer it takes a burglar to enter, the less likely he'll stay and try!

Consider Visibility Factors
Can you look inside your window and see that CD player, silverware collection and Ming vase? If so, chances are a burglar could too, giving him more of a reason to try your house! Keep such valuables out of view and keep blinds and drapes closed. High fences, trees and shrubs can provide cover for burglars as they attempt to invade your home. Sacrifice the privacy for better visibility. Coupled with ample lighting, your would-be burglar is an obvious dark-dressed man on your lawn!

Keep Valuables Safe
Keep valuable belongings (jewelry, papers, certificates, etc.) out of sight. If possible, keep them in a safety deposit box away from home. Other valuable items like TVs and radios should be engraved with your social security or driver's license number, which will help police identify your property if it is stolen and subsequently recovered.

Keep an Accurate Inventory of Valuables
Record all serial numbers/ID numbers of all your valuables on a sheet of paper. You can also videotape the information as you describe the items. Keep copies in a safety deposit box or give them to a trusted friend for safekeeping when you're away. A complete list of your belongings will allow you to get better compensation when a claim is made.

Ask a Neighbor
A trusted neighbor is probably the best resource you have for deterring burglary. They can continue an illusion of your presence by following your "lived-in" routine: turn lights on/off appropriately, collect mail, newspapers etc. Your neighbor may also be able to hold your valuables list and/or videotape.

Get a Dog
Other than a neighbor, a dog is probably one of the best deterrents to would be thieves. Dogs often bark in alert when strangers come around. Certain dogs are trained to guard their fenced lawns. If you own a dog and weather permits, leave your dog outdoors where he will immediately detect trespassers.

Use Props
Although unorthodox, anything to give the appearance of protection or activity in your home is better than nothing!