Smart Home Security

You have worked hard to get your house looking nice and you have gathered precious belongings together to make it a home.

What have you done to secure it and make it safe from thieves and intruders?

How safe is your family inside their own home?

Be smart, it’s prudent to secure your home, giving you and your family much peace of mind.

There are many simple measures you can take, that won’t cost very much, to secure your home. Be aware of potential problem areas, and look for ways to minimize the danger of a break-in.

Here are a few home security areas to start with:

• Locks – check the locks on the outer doors and windows. Make sure they are in good working order and will firmly secure the entry point when in the locked position. Replace any that are faulty or flimsy.
• Doors - the best lock in the world won’t deter a burglar if the door is made of flimsy materials. Invest in the most solid outer doors that you can afford.
• Windows – check that your windows can be secured properly and are not an easy invitation to intruders. Secure sliding windows with a piece of timber dowel in the groove of the window frame. Sliding windows can be secured in a slightly open position with a special bolt through the frame and window sash.
• Valuables - keep valuable and targeted items like computers, electrical goods, entertainment items etc out of direct view of windows. Invest in a floor safe to protect passports, jewelery, documents and other small valuables.
• Tools - keep power tools and other tools that could be used to break into your house, out of sight. Keep your ladders stored away- don’t leave a ladder leaning up against the house. Many robbers are opportunistic – they see an opportunity to break in and they take it, spur of the moment.
• Sensor lights - install sensor lights at the main entry doors, garage, gate into the back yard and other places where an intruder may try to gain entry. These security sensors detect movement and switch on the light, which would deter most thieves. It is also added security for you and your family when coming home in the dark.

Going with a Home Security Alarm System

There are numerous options in securing your home and property these days. One of the most cost effective is a home security alarm system. There are some DIY security systems that you can install yourself, or you could go with one of the specialist security companies to supply and install the alarm system for you. Here are some types of alarm systems that you may choose:

Security Motion Sensors
A security motion sensor is set to detect movement in the field of the sensor. Some work on heat and others on the movement of a mass. Either system will trigger an alarm, light or security camera that is the real deterrent to an intruder. When an alarm sounds or a bright light illuminates the area, most would-be burglars leave the area. If the intruder is already inside the house and an alarm sounds, it has been proven that thieves steal less when surprised by the alarm. These home security systems are very common and much more affordable than they used to be. They can be installed inside and outside the house, and even in the garage or shed.

Visible Alarm or Bell Units
Research has shown that if a large alarm or bell is attached to the front of the house, clearly visible from the street, the property is less likely to be the target of thieves. In fact, these homes are three times less likely to be broken into than a neighboring house that has no visible alarm.

Other Alarms
A door alarm will sound when the door is opened. It is a simple system of two magnets that form a connection, which triggers the alarm when the connection is broken. If you have one of these systems, you can set the alarm when you leave the house and turn it off when you come in. They usually have a delay of a few seconds to allow you the time to get to the control panel. The same system can be used on windows.

Whichever system you choose, going with a home security alarm system will ensure that you and your family will remain safe and secure. Peace of mind and the feeling of security is priceless.