Home Security Essentials
The good news is that many break-ins are easily preventable. A simple and inexpensive change to your home’s security can make a huge difference to reducing the chance of burglary. These home security essentials could save you thousands of dollars and time replacing stolen property.
To help you security your home and reduce the chance of your house being broken into, we have provided a detailed guide and checklist to security your home against intruders.
Do You Have The Right Locks For Your Home?
There are many different types of locks for your windows and doors. An important part of your home security is to make sure you have good locks that are the right kind of lock for each application around your home.
Door Locks And Security
Your homes security starts with the front door. There are many different types of door locks to choose from that can best secure your home from intruders. These can include deadlocks, mortice locks, handle locks and much more. A locksmith can help you identify the best locks for your home.However the biggest thing to remember is to lock your home if you are heading out. Even if you are heading out for a short period of time, lock your door. It doesn’t take long for someone to enter your home and take a laptop or jewellery.
A good idea is to install a peep hole in your front door to recognise who is at your door before you open it for them .
If you have a security screen door, make sure to keep it locked, even if you are home. Screen doors enable would be intruders to see in. If you are in a back room, or in the shower, an opportunistic thief can easily sneak in and take a laptop or other portable possessions.
If you have an access door from the garage, make sure that the door is also locked when you leave home.
Window Locks And Security
Windows are one of the main entry points for burglars. Make sure that you lock all the windows in your home when you are leaving the house or going to bed. Window locks are generally inexpensive and are designed for all types of windows. If you have windows into your garage also consider locking them as well.A common bad habit is to leave keys in the window locks. Thieves can easily smash the windows and unlock the doors. Make sure you keep the keys out of sight.
For an added level of security, you can install metal security grills or shutters. These are excellent at restricting the access to your home. However, be careful, if they are not installed properly they can trap occupants inside in the case of a fire. We recommend to contact a locksmith to make sure that they are installed correctly.
Choose The Right Padlock
Padlocks come in a wide range of sizes, strengths, and security levels. Make sure to choose one right for your needs.For example, padlocks to be used on gates or your garage should have a high corrosive rating and weather protection.
A great tip is to have your padlocks keyed to match the rest of your house. This means you don’t have to be sorting through hundreds of keys to find the one for your padlock.
Need Help Securing Your Home?
Sometimes knowing the different types of locks available isn’t enough to secure your home. You will want to make sure you have chosen the right locks and that the locks are properly installed.This is where a locksmith can help.
Call A Professional Locksmith Today On (02) 8077 2595
Make sure your alarm system is working
A good security alarm is an excellent way of keeping your home security from intruders. To make sure it is as effective as possible, you need to make sure it is in good working order.
- Double check that all sensors are working and nothing is impeding their field of view.
- Regularly check the battery and test the system.
- Make sure to turn it on every time your leave your home.
- Even with an alarm, make sure you always lock your doors and windows.
If you are thinking of getting a new security system, make sure it is manufactured and installed to the Australia Standards for Domestic Applications. Your security system should be designed to provide the maximum coverage for your home and garage.
Many home security providers can also include 24-hour surveillance. As soon as your alarm is triggered they will send someone around to your home to check the situation. If you are looking for extra peace of mind, a monitored home security system is the perfect solution for you.
Does Your Home Have Security Lighting?
The last thing a criminal wants is being seen breaking in. Security lighting is the perfect solution. When a sensor detects movement, the lights switch on. These lights are easy to install around your home and yard.
If you have a limited budget, start with lighting your front and back door. If you can, place security lighting near other entry ways, along your driveway and at the back of your home. You want to make sure that the lights reveal any potential hiding places for thieves.
Another great advantage of security lighting is they are great if you are expecting guests. The lights will detect when the guests are walking up the driveway and light the way for them.
You will want to check whether your lights are working regularly. Like normal lights, bulbs can blow and will need to be maintained.
A great tip is to consider using light timers to turn theses lights and and off when you are not home.
Do you have pets? You can get pet-friendly motion sensors installed. This means your dog or cat can run around the yard while the system is armed. You can keep your home safe without your pets setting off a false alarm.
Extra Security Precautions
Secure Entrances With A Screen
Security screens are an excellent way to strengthen your home at points of entry, such as doors and windows. Screens allow airflow throughout the house without compromising your security. They are very easy to install and come in huge range of styles and colours for any home.Advertise That You Home Is Secured
Posting a security sign in a noticeable place can be a very effective deterrent. Place them in a prominent place such as the front door or driveway entrance. These signs indicate to would-be thieves that your home may be more trouble than it’s worth. However, make sure you don’t list the make, model or manufacturer of the security system. These details can sometimes be used against you and help offenders bypass security.Home Security Tip: Automate Your Home
You can purchase devices that make it look like someones home when you are away. Timer switches can be programmed to switch on lights, radios, and appliances when you are not around. This gives the illusion that someone is home.Home Security Tip: Secure Your Sliding Glass Door
Secure your sliding glass door by placing a wooden rod in the window channel. It will make the door more difficult to get open. This can also be done with any sliding windows you may have.Keep A Record Of All Valuable Items
It is always a good idea to keep a record of everything of value in your home. In case something is stolen, this will make it easier to replace, claim with insurance or recover the item.
Make sure you take note of:
- Manuafacturer Details
- Model Name/Number
- Serial Number
- Colour
- A photograph of the item
Keep a copy of these details off site at a friends place or family members place. If you have a record of this on your computer, consider emailing a copy to yourself or to a friend as backup.
Consider Invisible Marking Or Engraving
Engraving any of your belongings with hard surfaces can help in recovering stolen property. Engrave your items with something that is traceable such as your drivers licence number.
If your are insurance the item, make sure you double check that engraving doesn’t void the warranty of the item.
For items that cannot be engrave, you can mark them with an ultra violet pen. These pens cause no harm to your property and is only visible using ultra violet light. The markings can fade over time so make sure you renew the marking occasionally. A good tip is to renew the markings every time you are checking the home security or fire alarm batteries.