Top Home Security Tips

How confident are you about the level of security in and around your house? There are numerous dimensions to home security: from the basic, like locking doors and windows, to the moderate, like turning on the TV and some lights around the house before you leave to give the illusion that someone’s home, to even the advanced, like installing a home security and alarm system. But even with alarm systems, burglars still find ways into your home. So how can you prevent this, or at least make yourself and your home less of a target for burglars? Let’s take a look:

• Exterior motion sensor lights – How well-lit is your yard and the perimeter around your property? Are there any “blind spots” so-to-speak, where potential intruders can hide undetected? If so, you should instal motion sensor lights. These lights should be placed at critical points around your house, like pathways and entrances. Scout out any potential hiding spots, like bushes and trees, and make sure they’re well-lit, too. Aim for 120-volt motion sensor lights so that your yard will be lit up only when it needs to be, and without running up the electricity bill.

• Inspect and/or replace doors and locks – The entrance into your home is your last line of defense against intruders, and it should be the strongest. With that said, how strong are the doors and their locks? And is there a deadbolt? If your house is older, chances are your door is too. If that’s the case, consider installing a new door, preferably solid wood or metal so that it’s stronger and more secure. This may also help with insulating your house during the cold winter months. Next in this step is replacing the knob lock and installing either a deadbolt or a dead latch for added security. Lastly, the strike plate – where the latch goes when you close the door – should be sturdy and secured with four 3-inch long screws.

• Spare key – Quick, what’s the first place you think of when you hear the words “spare key”? Your answer is probably either under a doormat or in a flowerpot. So why would you, or anyone, hide a spare key there? Don’t be like everybody else in this manner; be strategic with hiding your spare key. It’s best practice to not have a spare on your property at all, and instead to give a spare to a trustworthy neighbor or two.

• When going on vacation – Don’t post on social media that you’re leaving town, no matter for how short a time. Sure, an influx of likes and comments on a post detailing your upcoming trip may be a self-esteem booster, but try to refrain from posting about it. With a free and open internet, you never know who could be watching. Posting to social media in this manner basically gives an invitation to let burglars into your home while you’re away. It may be a good idea to have a neighbor house sit for you while you’re out of town, and even let them park in your driveway so that, from the outside, it looks like someone is home.

• Install an alarm – Lastly, if you’re worried about burglars and intruders, or if there have been reported cases of break-ins in your neighborhood recently, consider hiring a trusted alarm company, like Instant Alarm, to install a security system. At Instant Alarm, we have our own 24-hour central monitoring station, so if a break-in were to occur, we would contact the authorities in a timely manner. Our alarms and security systems offer protection beyond just burglaries and home invasions; they alert you to fire and high/low temperatures, and even carbon monoxide inside your home.

Which of these tactics do you employ? With Instant Alarm, take the worry out of home security. We offer full range security systems and own and operate our own central monitoring station. Your peace of mind is important to us. As the old adage goes, you can never be too careful. Contact Instant Alarm by phone at 978-744-9070 or toll free at 800-499-9070 to inquire about installing a security system.