PH Real Estate - 10 Tips in Maintaining a Safe and Secure Home

When you talk of safety and security, you deal with the safety and security of both the people living in the home and the property.  When you safeguard the property, you are in fact, safeguarding the people in it. 

How do you ensure a safe and secure home? The ensuing discussion emphasizes proven techniques:

#1 – Understand the enemy

You need to know with whom or what you should be careful of. You must know what crimes are being commonly committed in your area, i.e theft and robbery, arson or murder etc. Burglars strike when people are less alert. 

It could be from 9 in the morning up to early hours the following day. During the day, most homes are empty as people are at their jobs. In the wee hours of the morning, people are asleep. These are the times that burglars love when people are busy sleeping and working.

#2 – Be acquainted with your Neighbours

Look out for each other in the neighborhood. No one will look after you but your neighbour, so get to know them and strike an agreement to watch each other. Your neighbours will be happy to talk to you about looking after one another. 

You can organize a neighborhood watch among the residents in your area. In some places, this is a practice that helped them secure their families and houses from burglars and criminals.

#3 – Consult the Experts 

Allow an expert on security to inspect your home and surroundings. Listen to their advice and suggestions and follow them. It could save your life or that of your family. 

You can involve your police in the inspection of your property. The police can assist you in planning the security of your home. They know better than most.

#4 – Lock the doors and windows always

Keep your doors locked always. You do not know when the burglars will strike. Make it a habit to lock your doors and windows even if you are inside the house. 

Some people lock their doors and windows but forget to lock the garage door. It is thru the garage that most burglars get into the homes. 

You must check your locks and change the bad ones, and do it once it is discovered. Burglars are good at picking on locks and a weak lock can be easily opened with their years of experience in unlocking doors.

#5 – Install alarms and Security System

You need to install a security system in your home. This may be a bit expensive but your life and home is more valuable than the bucks you spend on your security. Think of it as an investment. 

Normally, a security system include detectors of movements, alarms, press buttons to trigger the alarm and a CCTV that monitors the perimeters of your house.

Burglars do not ransack houses that have a security system. They know that the house is wired and motion can be detected. 

#6 – Light your perimeters well

Well-lighted houses and surroundings scare off burglars, because they are easily detected in a lighted place. You can install a remotely managed switch so you can control the lighting outside your home. 

You can install a light that is triggered by motion. When there is movement in your ground, the light comes on. Burglars do not attempt to cross a lawn that is fully lighted lest they could be seen and caught. They love to do their thing in dark and unguarded places.

#7 – Avoid opening the door immediately when the doorbell rings

Use a viewer to see who is outside. Ask a security store to install your viewer if you don’t know how to do it. The viewer allows you to see the person from inside your home but the visitor cannot see you. 

This device is not that expensive if you know where to buy it. Do not let strangers in, unless you are sure who they are and what they want with you. 

#8 – Regular family updates on security 

Talk to your family regularly to discuss security concerns. Everybody must follow a set of rules. Example, lock the door always, keep the security system on, all the time, check CCTV monitor every 4 hours. Each of you must know and practice these to ensure the safety of the family. 

Discuss safety measures even with your young kids. Teach them how to call the police when they sense danger. Keep the numbers in a place where anyone can see to avoid delay in calling for assistance when you need one.

#9 – A vault for your valuables

Have a vault installed in your house to keep your valuables. There are cheap vaults you can get. Be sure to have it anchored tightly so it cannot be carried away. You do not need the expensive type, the important thing is that your valuables are safe with the cheaper models. Even your laptops, iPad, phones can be placed in the vault at night.

Burglars and robbers go straight for the gold and cash and they find these in the master bedroom. Laptops and TVs can be found in the other rooms or the living room. 

Your bikes, motorcycles should be kept inside the garage to keep it away from prying eyes. Do not give burglars the opportunity to steal from you.

#10 – Stay in contact with your Police

Visit the police station once in a while and talk about your security system and the security in your area. Knowing the safety and security situation in your locality gives you the opportunity to be prepared. 

Your police can update you when there are burglary in the area and you will be forewarned. In this instance, you will be more alert about your safety and security.

The safety and security of your homes are not the responsibility of the police alone but of the community as well. A home that is carelessly left on its own is an easy target for burglars but if your home is known to be protected, the knowledge alone scares off the burglars. 

Tags:    home safety, safe and secure homes for sale, real estate condos for sale