Home Security in the New Year
Make a Security Resolution The new year is almost here and so is the long list of New Year’s resolutions that you want to commit to so you can improve your life. One of the ways you can improve your life is through your level of home security. These are resolutions that can be applied to business security as well, such as adding surveillance cameras where they need to be or upgrading existing cameras to ones that have better picture quality. Regardless of whether you need improved security for home or business reasons, here is a list of home security resolutions that you can use to make life a bit safer for you, your family, your belongings, your business, or all your interests: Improve Your Habits Make sure doors are locked, the security system is set, batteries are changed in smoke detectors, and that lights are on when they need to be. Install timers for lights, especially before going on vacation, and make sure you have good outdoor security. A home or business that is lit up is one a thief is more likely to stay away from. Consider Adding Extra Security It may not be enough to have an alarm because thieves can strike other parts of your property. Surveillance cameras can capture who is outside. If someone breaks into an outbuilding or tries to break into your house, you can acquire footage that will help authorities catch the culprits. Replace Outdated Security Systems It is good for homeowners and business owners to replace outdated security systems. If your system is old, you could do better. Systems now have fire and carbon monoxide detection built in. You can add motion detectors and more sensors. There are many possibilities. All you have to do is talk to a security company that specializes in advanced systems. It is even possible to turn your home into a smart home, which makes life more convenient for you. Home automation is becoming very hot with the ability to remotely arm the security system, unlock doors, turn lights on and off, and even adjust the thermostat. All of this can be done from a smartphone. Change Your Passcode If you already have a security system, it is good to change your passcode. Having the same passcode all the time is a security risk. In fact, it is good to change it a couple times a year. Now is a good time to change it for the first time this year. Make sure you give the new code to everyone who needs to have it and remind them not to share it with anyone. Lock Outside Buildings If you have outside buildings on your property, keep them locked. Add outside video surveillance to give better security. You also want motion lights so that they are triggered when someone comes on the property. Light is always a good defense against burglars. Buy a Fireproof Safe If you haven’t already, you need a fireproof safe. While the security system, motion sensors, video cameras, and window and door sensors are all designed to keep thieves out, having valuables in a fireproof safe can give them even more protection in case someone does get in. One of the first places a thief visits when inside a home is the bedroom. When inside a business, they will go to the office in hopes they can find money, catch a cash register on the way, or break into the safe. Call Your Rochester Home Security Company To make yourself safer this year, consider investing in a modern home security or business security system. If your home or business is ever broken into or someone attempts to do so, you will be very glad that you protected everything you care about in this way. Call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348 to learn more.
How to Evaluate Your Level of Home Security
Is Your Home Secure Enough? Your home security is everything because your home is where you and your family should feel safe. Without the proper security, you risk being the target of a thief and that can seriously compromise your sense of security. Below, you will find a checklist that will help you make sure that your home is secure as possible. The Checklist Every door has a deadbolt Doors and door frames are free from damage caused by wear and tear and weather The construct of the doors is sound Lock doors when you are not at home and when you are inside the house Exterior doors should have hinges on the inside Sliding doors and French doors should have secondary locks Windows and window frames should be in good condition and not rotted Secondary locks should be in place on double-hung windows The door between the garage and the interior of the house should have a deadbolt Fence gates need to be locked, preferably padlocked Trees are trimmed back to prevent access to the roof Shrubs should be trimmed down to make it harder for trespassers to hide Shrubs should be kept below window ledges Lights around the perimeter of the house can deter trespassers Lights should be on inside the house and on timers when you’re away You should have a home alarm system integrated into your home Ensure you have 24/7 monitoring attached to your alarm system Make sure that those who need to access your house have keys instead of hiding keys around the exterior of the house Privacy fencing shouldn’t be easy to climb Fencing should not be broken Have home video surveillance cameras installed outside the home and inside the doors Motion detectors can trigger lights Strong locks should be placed on outside buildings and detached garages Attached garages should have additional locking mechanisms on the garage door Make sure outside valuables, such as lawn mowers, are locked away Windows should have window restrictors installed so they can’t be opened beyond a certain height If you are lacking in any of these areas, rectifying them can be the difference between being a target and not being a target. Get a Professional Security Check You can opt for a professional security check. A good security alarm company will come to your home and evaluate vulnerabilities for you so that you can have a security system installed that will make your home safer. There are different elements you can integrate into your system, such as video surveillance, motion sensors, and total home automation. How much or how little you opt for is up to you, but it is difficult to put a price on keeping you, your family, and everything inside your home safe. Stay Away from These Deterrents There are some burglar deterrents that don’t work so well. It is good that you know what these are so that you know not to use them. Those failed deterrents include: Posting company alarm signs – You don’t want to give a burglar any clue about your alarm system because that information can be used to bypass your system. Instead, you can post a general alarm or monitoring sign so they know you are being watched. Don’t hide valuables in your bedroom – Professional thieves know that you’re hiding your belongings in your bedroom. That’s one of the first places they will go. They know jewelry boxes, money under the mattress, etc. are there. Leaving the lights on non-stop – If the same lights are on all the time, a burglar that is casing the house will catch on. Installing timers is ideal. Stopping mail delivery – Not seeing mail delivered to your house is a clue you’re not home. Have a friend or family member stop by your house each day. Give them a key to take the mail inside. Don’t forget to give them the security alarm code. This person can also come at random times to avoid a pattern that a burglar catches onto. It is good to have a house sitter who can stay there much more often. Getting a huge dog – Big dogs are nice, but they tend to not always go crazy like small dogs. Small dogs are hard to calm down when someone is at the door. Protect Your Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse Home Today! So, there you have some ways to keep your home as safe as possible. By instituting the checklist and avoiding the things that you shouldn’t do, you can achieve the level of safety that you need to feel as secure as possible in your home. To learn about your security options, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a free consult.