We live in an unpredictable age.
Long gone are the days of leaving home with your doors unlocked and windows open.
Many people don't know the names of their neighbors.
Some people are away from their homes for long periods of time.
All of these factors should make homeowners aware of their need for home security.
Home security consists of several things, and requires some planning and organization.
When reviewing your home security needs you must consider both the interior and exterior of the house.
The type of neighborhood that you live in may play a role in determining your home security needs.
If you have outbuildings such as a garage or shed, these buildings should also be examined for security risks.
Let's begin with the neighborhood; some areas of towns and cities are prone to burglary and theft.
If housebreaking or theft is commonly occurring in the areas around your home or neighborhood, it is a wise choice to develop a home security plan.
Though public security agencies, such as the police or fire department, make regular patrols, they are far outnumbered by citizens and their homes.
Entire neighborhoods can work together to help public agencies and make security a part of their community by creating what is called a "neighborhood watch" program.
If one does not exist it is a good idea to work with neighbors to create this vital piece of home security.
Be aware of your habits - is the family out of the home most of the day? Are you at work for long periods of time, or do you take many frequent business trips? Will you be taking a vacation? If you answer "yes" to any of these items it is a good idea to create a home security plan to address these facts.
Make it appear that someone is home by putting a stereo or house lights on a timer set to turn on and off throughout the day.
Be sure that a neighbor, friend or family member will be picking up your mail and any newspapers or deliveries if you are not home for a few days at a time.
Even if your neighborhood is at low-risk for crime, it is still a wise choice to be aware of your home security needs.
Basic home security requires sound locks and reinforced doors at every entry.
Windows should have locking mechanisms and be installed with shatterproof or reinforced glass if possible.
The approach to your home should be well lit, and all entries, including garages, should be equipped with motion sensor lights or exterior lights on timing mechanisms.
Screened in or enclosed porches should have a locking door on the exterior as well as inside the structure - if a burglar is out of sight they will be able to commit a great deal of time to picking a lock or may even be able to break a window unseen or unheard.
Never forget that home security evaluations will always include garage spaces as well since these structures traditionally contain high-priced items such as vehicles, sporting equipment and yard equipment.
Garages also allow direct access into a family home and because of this any connecting doors should be made of reinforced materials and have strong locks or deadbolts.
A sturdy fence surrounding your yard or property will also serve as a deterrent to criminal activities against your home or property.
Long gone are the days of leaving home with your doors unlocked and windows open.
Many people don't know the names of their neighbors.
Some people are away from their homes for long periods of time.
All of these factors should make homeowners aware of their need for home security.
Home security consists of several things, and requires some planning and organization.
When reviewing your home security needs you must consider both the interior and exterior of the house.
The type of neighborhood that you live in may play a role in determining your home security needs.
If you have outbuildings such as a garage or shed, these buildings should also be examined for security risks.
Let's begin with the neighborhood; some areas of towns and cities are prone to burglary and theft.
If housebreaking or theft is commonly occurring in the areas around your home or neighborhood, it is a wise choice to develop a home security plan.
Though public security agencies, such as the police or fire department, make regular patrols, they are far outnumbered by citizens and their homes.
Entire neighborhoods can work together to help public agencies and make security a part of their community by creating what is called a "neighborhood watch" program.
If one does not exist it is a good idea to work with neighbors to create this vital piece of home security.
Be aware of your habits - is the family out of the home most of the day? Are you at work for long periods of time, or do you take many frequent business trips? Will you be taking a vacation? If you answer "yes" to any of these items it is a good idea to create a home security plan to address these facts.
Make it appear that someone is home by putting a stereo or house lights on a timer set to turn on and off throughout the day.
Be sure that a neighbor, friend or family member will be picking up your mail and any newspapers or deliveries if you are not home for a few days at a time.
Even if your neighborhood is at low-risk for crime, it is still a wise choice to be aware of your home security needs.
Basic home security requires sound locks and reinforced doors at every entry.
Windows should have locking mechanisms and be installed with shatterproof or reinforced glass if possible.
The approach to your home should be well lit, and all entries, including garages, should be equipped with motion sensor lights or exterior lights on timing mechanisms.
Screened in or enclosed porches should have a locking door on the exterior as well as inside the structure - if a burglar is out of sight they will be able to commit a great deal of time to picking a lock or may even be able to break a window unseen or unheard.
Never forget that home security evaluations will always include garage spaces as well since these structures traditionally contain high-priced items such as vehicles, sporting equipment and yard equipment.
Garages also allow direct access into a family home and because of this any connecting doors should be made of reinforced materials and have strong locks or deadbolts.
A sturdy fence surrounding your yard or property will also serve as a deterrent to criminal activities against your home or property.
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