10 Security Steps for First Time Homeowners
If you are on the prowl for a beautiful Kentucky home or if you have already settled into one, your thoughts have likely wandered toward security. Your home will likely be the most expensive purchase of your lifetime. This is the time to take extra steps to ensure the security of your home.
1. Install a Home Security System
The average burglar will pass a home that has a visible home security sign and target homes that do not. Home security systems provide peace of mind to the homeowner while away at work or on vacation, or while home with their family.
2. Change The Locks!
Most first time homeowners purchase a lived-in home. Changing the locks ensures that only you have the keys to the home, no matter how many copies the old owner had made. Older homes tend to have weak doors that need to be either significantly reinforced or totally replaced. Consider installing high quality doors and door locks to safeguard your family and your possessions.
3. Lights
Install motion detecting lights in the front and back of your home. This is a significant deterrent to thieves in the night.
4. Greenery
While there are some beautiful Kentucky homes out there with glorious greenery, this is actually a security faux pas. Bushes, shrubs and trees should be positioned in only certain parts of your yard. Keep them trimmed and low to the ground, so burglars cannot find a place to hide and case your home. Do not let them block the street or yard view from inside your home.
5. Spare Key
While most of us kept a spare key somewhere in our front yards in the past, times have changed. The world is a much more dangerous place today. Never leave a key to your new home outdoors. Thieves know the typical spots that we consider secret and will search to find a spare.
6. Schedule
Variety is the spice of life. Incorporate some variety in your schedule. Do not head out and come back home at the same time each day. This will prevent burglars from establishing your routine and adding your home to his list of potential targets.
7. Service People
New homeowners will likely have service people coming and going the first few days and weeks of moving in. From cable installers, painters to HVAC maintenance, be sure that you know who is coming to your home, what time and if possible, get the name from the provider before the service worker arrives at your home. Always ask for identification before letting someone in your home and try to have a friend or family member with you when you expect a service call.
8. Vacation
If you take a vacation away from your home, put a hold on your mail or ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail daily. Over stuffed mail boxes is a clear indicator that you are not home.
9. Get To Know Your Neighbors
If you introduce yourself to your neighbors and interact with them on a regular basis, they will be more likely to keep an eye out for thieves on your property. Always return the favor!
10. Choose a Security Company Wisely
While it is prudent to install a home security system, you will need a reliable company to actually monitor that system. Align your fate with a company like Bates Security and you will be able to rest easy knowing that your security system is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sometimes, common sense proves to be the most important safeguard. No matter what, you should never let your guard down. A neighbor, friendly salesman or even the previous homeowner has the potential to be a burglar who can devastate your finances, your family and your morale.