First time homeowners, here’s some basic information to help protect your home and the safety of you and your family. Below are some measures you will want to take to minimize the risk of home invasion and vandalism.
First and foremost you need to purchase homeowner’s insurance. That way, if all the safety precautions you take fail, you will still be able to be compensated for the loss of any valuables. You will in most cases receive a discount for installing a security alarm, and many insurance companies require a security system prior to issuing a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Store your jewelry, credit cards, money and other valuables either at your bank or in a safe. Do not leave valuables in plain sight for passerby to see. Consider purchasing a home safe to secure valuables out of sight.
When you do install an alarm system, be sure it includes alarm monitoring. That way, the police will be contacted immediately, and there is a record of alarm activity, which is important to verify protective measures, should you need to enforce your homeowner’s insurance.
Motion detectors are also helpful to keep intruders from entering your yard or home. Motion detectors are most often installed near windows and doors so you are aware of any movement within the house whether you are home or not. The alarm system is triggered by the motion detector and the police will be contacted.
Don’t make it easy for burglars to enter your house. Lock all the doors and windows. Consider purchasing a dog that barks to scare off intruders, and as a further deterrent, display a “beware of dog” sign on the outside of your home. The same goes for alarm systems–posting stickers or signage that indicates your home is secured with an alarm will keep intruders at bay.
Join your neighborhood watch program. You may need to initiate a program, if there isn’t a group in your neighborhood. There is strength in numbers, and knowing your neighbors and helping to keep an eye out for each other can be helpful, especially if someone is out of town. Elderly and disabled neighbors are particularly vulnerable to criminals. Vigilance in protecting your own community creates a safe neighborhood and can protect property value.