Is Your Home Secure? 3 Steps To Take To Protect Your Home And Family
If your home isn't protected by a security system, you owe it to yourself, and your family, to have one installed. Homes with active security systems are less-likely to be broken into. When choosing a home security system, it's important that you avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, choose a system that will work best for you. Here are three steps you can take to make your home more secure.
Get Your Phone Involved
When choosing a security system for your home, make sure you choose one that allows you to get your phone involved. Mobile access via your cell phone or tablet, ensures that you can monitor your home from wherever you are. With a phone app, you'll be able to activate your security system, investigate alarms, and disarm those occasional false alarms. In fact, most mobile security apps allow you to access home security cameras so that you can have a visual picture of what's going on at home.
Spring for the Monitoring Option
If you're trying to save money on your home security system, don't forgo security for low-price. This is particularly true when it comes to the monitoring option that's available with most home security systems. With monitoring, your security company will notify the proper authorities when a security issue arises at home. For instance, with monitoring, the security company will be alerted to a break-in, and they'll immediately contact local law enforcement so they can come out and investigate. Without the additional monitoring, you'll be responsible for contacting the right authorities, which might be impossible if you're incapacitated, or out of town.
Take the Extra Steps
When it comes to keeping your home secure, you're home security system is the first big step you need to take. However, there are still steps you can take around the house to improve the security.
Trim the Bushes
If you've got bushes growing near your doorways, or under your windows, you should trim them as soon as possible. Overgrown, or tall shrubbery can provide the perfect hiding spots for burglars.
Install Motion-Sensor Lighting
If you don't have motion-sensor lights near your driveway and doorways, you need to install them. Motion-sensor lights will come on as soon as someone passes under them, which will prevent burglars from hiding in the shadows.
Leave a Light On
When you leave your home, you should always leave at least one interior light on, preferably in an interior room. Once it gets dark, the light will be visible, giving the appearance that someone is home. For maximum protection, leave a different light on each day.