The PREMIERE Guide To Keeping Your Home Safe And Secure

  1. Have the primary door locks changed when you move in. You never know who has the old keys.
  2. All exterior doors should have quality cylinder locks plus deadbolts with 3 inch screws – this goes for sliding doors too. Exterior door frames should also be reinforced so they can’t be kicked in. Its best to have these doors made of solid wood or metal.
  3. Make sure door and window hinges are on the inside of the house so as to prevent external access.
  4. Don’t open the door for strangers; Always use your peep- hole. Ask for I.D. before you open the door, even if the person is driving a company truck or has a uniform on.
  5. Don’t leave unattended doors and windows open or unlocked, especially when gone.
  6. Don’t leave sliding glass doors open and unattended, even if they are on upper floors.
  7. Install glass-break detectors on your windows. If anyone tries to force entry there, an alarm will sound.
  8. Use locks on garages and sheds, and keep them closed when not in use; keep any tools – like ladders that could reach upper floors – inside or locked up.
  9. A dog can be very effective in scaring away burglars. Even a small dog like a Terrier is helpful because it will make lots of noise.
  10. Make sure to have your driveway, porches, yard, and garage well lit at all times. Have all dark areas lit for improved safety. Motion detecting or heat sensing lights provide safety and save energy.
  11. Landscape for visibility, not privacy. There is a thin line between safety and privacy. From a security point of view, it’s better not to have obvious hiding places like overgrown shrubs that could hide burglars from the street or the house.
  12. Have an emergency plan. Put together a what to do list if an attempted burglary happens, and be sure to involve the whole family.
  13. Be sure to have an insurance plan that covers any and all losses due to theft.
  14. Keep a home inventory up to date. In a worst case scenario, you can offer proof to the insurance company and get back what is rightfully yours.
  15. Don’t hand out house keys at will, and know where all your house keys are at all times. Don’t leave any keys outside in secret hiding places; Remember: thieves know all the tricks.
  16. Don’t leave valuables unnecessarily on display throughout the house, especially on the ground floor or close to the windows.
  17. Look into buying a safe for your valuables that can be stored away, like jewelry and small antiques.
  18. Be careful with your trash; Don’t leave boxes out front that show you just purchased an entertainment system. Crush the boxes, and keep them in bags.
  19. Be wary of what personal info you throw away. Many thieves aren’t opposed to digging in your trash to get some info that will make it easier to steal your identity. It’s best to shred all personal information.
  20. This is our favorite! Have a security or burglar alarm installed, and keep it on even when home.
  21. Last but not least, Always be alert to your surroundings, and be familiar with your neighbor-hood and neighbors. Don’t be paranoid, but keep a look out for suspicious and strange behavior.

I hope this information has been of use to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.