The safety of your home and family is very important. You can protect your home, family, and possessions with some easy, basic home iimprovements. Here are some suggestions of how to improve your home’s safety.
Install new locks on your windows and doors. Many older locks are not very strong and should be replaced. If your windows, especially second story windows, do not have locks on them make certain to add some. Make certain all doors to the outside have dead bolts.
Trim your hedges so they do not block your view of your yard. Make certain that none of your doors or windows have anything in front of them. You want to make certain that all exit and entry points are clear and visible.
Install motion or heat-sensing flood lights in your front or back yards. This will get rid of shadows where burglars can hide. You can also choose to put lights on timers so that they switch on and off at regular times.
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail or newspapers when you are gone on vacation. Park your car in the driveway to give your place a lived-in appearance. You want to make it appear like your home is still occupied.
Install a self-charging smoke detector. These alarms recharge themselves every time a light is turned on, so you won’t have to worry about replacing a dead battery. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make certain that everyone in the home knows where it is and how to use it.
Join your neighborhood watch, or start one yourself. It is 100% free. Sometimes a neighborhood watch sign can be enough to convince a prowler to find another area.
There are many other precautions you can take to safeguard your home, such as installing a security system to protect your home or updating your homeowners insurance. Replace any flimsy outside doors with solid wood or steel doors. And For fun you could even post a “Beware of Dog” sign, though we don’t promise it will actually scare anyone away.
