HOME SECURITY TIPS
Concerned that what happened to
the It Takes a Thief homeowners
could happen to you — except with real burglars?
Check out Matt and Jon's tips from the show
below.
Additional tips: House: Alarms |
House: Locks
| House:
Windows & Doors |
Garage |
Yard |
Valuables |
Vacation |
Miscellaneous
|
YOUR HOUSE: ALARMS
* Homes without a home-security/alarm system
have a significantly higher break-in rate, so
invest in an alarm system to protect your home
... and use it. Most of us ignore the
sirens of car and house alarms because they go
off regularly, so make sure your house alarm is
connected to the police and a central station to
ensure someone will respond.
And, when you connect your alarm system to a
monitoring station, make sure you have a back-up
cellular connection in case your phone service
is disrupted.
* Moving into a house with an old alarm
system? Contact the provider to inquire about an
upgrade.
* Consider a security system equipped with
ultrasonic sensors that can detect movement
inside your home, not just breaches of your
doors and windows. Certain alarm systems allow
your home to have separate zones so specific
areas can always stay armed. Also, a panic
button can be hooked up to your alarm system's
central server for added protection inside your
home.
* Less expensive security options include
motion sensors, sound detectors and photocells,
all of which can be used to turn on lights when
triggered. Especially if you live in a hidden or
dark area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are
an easy and inexpensive deterrent for any
possible intruders on your property at night.
* Individual window alarms, which are
activated by vibration, can also discourage
thieves. If you have an alarm system, make sure
all your windows either have contacts on them or
you have glass-break sensors in the rooms.
* A thief may try to dismantle your alarm
system, so make sure the system's central panel
is in a secure spot. In addition, since
construction or wildlife can disrupt outside
wiring, have your system tested annually.
* A barking dog — even a small one — will
deter most burglars. The noise draws attention,
which is the last thing burglars want. However,
dogs are never a proper deterrent. They only
become scared like humans if strangers become
threatening. It's not fair to your pup to rely
on its canine bravado.
* Reflective numbers outside on the front of
your home will make it easy for police and
ambulances to find your house in case of
emergency.
SOURCE OF ARTICLE : DISCOVERY
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