When we think about securing our homes, we usually think of door and window locks. And it’s true that the harder it is to get into your home, the less likely it is that a burglar will strike — especially if other houses on the street are easier targets.
The next consideration is an alarm system,… [Continue Reading]
Insurance Savings
Save up to 20% on homeowners insurance with a monitored home security system.
A secure home could mean lower homeowners insurance payments for you. When you install the a home security system to monitor for home security, your insurance rates may be discounted up to 20%, depending upon where you live. Check with your home insurance agent for actual savings.
Should You Have an Alarm System for Home Security?
Your Home Security System is More Than Just an Alarm
To many people, home security means having an alarm system and some good locks on the doors. But there’s more to it than that.
It’s true that an alarm is an important part of your home security system, because it can scare off a potential intruder and alert the police. Many advanced systems today also allow you to monitor your home while you are away, and some include features such as carbon monoxide monitoring. Still, there’s a lot you can do beyond installing an alarm to help insure your home’s security.
Let’s start with landscaping. A burglar looking to get into your home doesn’t want to be seen by neighbors or someone passing by. He’ll look for places to hide near your house, and some of the best hiding places are behind bushes.
It’s best not to allow large bushes to grow too close to your house — burglars won’t mind getting a few scratches from a bush if it means they can get near a window without being seen.
Proper outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage burglars who like to strike at night, or in the late evening while the owners are out. A house that’s completely dark is inviting to a burglar. You can avoid making your home an easy target by installing outdoor lights, either on timers or activated by motion detectors, or a combination of both.
Having sturdy doors and windows seems like an obvious deterrent to burglars. True. But it doesn’t matter how strong your doors and windows are if you don’t close and lock them. A lot of break-ins happen through unlocked entryways, so an important part of your home security is simply locking your doors and windows.
Garages are another consideration many homeowners neglect. If your garage is attached to your house, make sure it is kept securely locked.
Beyond the fact that a burglar might steal some items from an unlocked garage, he can also gain easy access to your house. Even if the door between the garage and the house is secure, the burglar knows he has more time to work on it, since he’ll be hidden from view in the garage while trying to break in. Plus, he may find a lot of tools there to help him break in.
Finally, if you do have a home security system that includes an alarm system from a reputable company, make sure any potential burglars are aware of that. You can place stickers on your windows alerting them to the fact that the house is protected by an alarm system. Just make sure the stickers are in an obvious spot, since they don’t do much good if an intruder doesn’t see them.