HOME SECURITY TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS: ASSESSING EVERYTHING FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE ROUTER

Many people have a natural inclination to protect their valuables, their homes and their household. Because of this, home security is a rather popular topic of discussion for homeowners everywhere. It can be helpful to know how to make a home seem less attractive to burglars and how to take a more active role in protecting your belongings. There's no shortage of home security advice, products, and services available to homeowners at the push of a button. However, while it is prudent to assess a home's security from time to time, there's no reason to live in fear. Making a home more secure is often much easier than many people think.



In this guide, we address these issues as well as the habits that can be developed to make a home more secure. We'll also take a look at the growing problem of porch pirates and residential cyber crime. And finally, we'll take a closer look at the various components to consider that may be offered with a home security system.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Helpful Habits for Home Security
• How Burglars Choose a House
• Possible Points of Entry for Burglars
• Taking an Active Role in Your Home's Security
• Securing the Home and Deterring Burglars
• Garage Security
• Securing Sheds and Outbuildings
• Dealing With Porch Pirates
• Protecting Your Smart Home from Cyber Criminals
• Understanding Home Security Systems
• Components
• Add-Ons and Extra Gadgets
• Types of Security Systems

HELPFUL HABITS FOR HOME SECURITY

Establishing a few simple habits can greatly increase a home's overall security. Of course, homes in Colorado Springs military bases have some level of "built-in" security, but these tips can be helpful for anyone. These habits are inexpensive to implement and may use features your home already has.

• Lock doors and windows. Check them every time the house is left empty and make keeping them locked the “default” setting for door and window locks.
• If the house has an alarm, set it. Many homeowners find setting the alarm at each departure an inconvenience. But it is a simple habit to form compared to dealing with the aftermath of a break-in.
• Get to know the neighbors. One of the best forms of home security is having more protective eyes watching a property; especially when the owners are at work or on vacation.
• Keep bushes trimmed. Overgrown vegetation can serve as camouflage for a burglar. Keep hedges trimmed and the house visible.
• Keep entrances well lit. Install and use lighting around entrances. Solar, motion activated or timed lighting can provide added security in the absence of an owner.
• Maintain doors and windows. Older and deteriorating doors and windows are easier targets for burglars. Keep them maintained, repaired and replace as necessary.
• Don't advertise your absence. Avoid announcing your absence publicly on social media. Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped when away for several days or more. Keep lawns mowed.
• Leave a radio on in your absence. A talk radio station can be particularly effective in creating the illusion someone is present in the home.

Get in the habit about taking home security more seriously. Consider it each time you leave. With enough practice, safety will become second nature to homeowners.

HOW BURGLARS CHOOSE A HOUSE

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