Is there anything more exciting than buying your very first new home? It’s all you can think about, and so your days are filled with images of how you will decorate your home, what kinds of landscaping you will do and hours of relaxing outdoors when the days are sunny and warm. Unfortunately, that’s as far as many first-time homebuyers go. Have you considered what kinds of security measures you should take to ensure the safety and security of your new home and all who dwell within? Here’s a brief checklist you can expand upon as time goes on. In other words, these are the very least of those home security measures you should be aware of.
1. Exterior Home Security
One of the things you will definitely want to do from the very beginning is to ensure you keep your grounds well lit. It’s pretty difficult to invade a home if your every movement can be seen. Thieves regularly choose dark nights because they aren’t easily detected. What about motion sensors that set off alarms if anyone is on your property? While most people are aware of those motions sensors attached to the home, what about that driveway of yours? Robbers will pull a vehicle up close enough to load quickly with the things they are about to steal. Did you know that motion sensors can be used on your driveway? Why let them pull up close enough to your home when there are wireless alarms for driveways that go off the moment a car enters your property?
2. Windows, Doors and Home Security for the Structure
Many homeowners opt to use a security company that will be notified any time someone tries to break a window or door to gain access to your home. They, in turn, notify the police and call the number/s they have on file to alert you of an intrusion. If your house has been previously inhabited, you will want to change all locks, inside and out, so that the previous owners don’t have keys. It may not be the previous owner, but those keys they no longer need can easily fall into the wrong hands. Windows and doors can be easily pried open, so you will want to go with some kind of sensor or wiring that will trip if contacts are broken. Replacing keys and installing a home security system should be at the top of your list of home security installations.
3. Create a Safe and Secure Environment
How secure do you feel in your home? Did you know that safety is closely related to security? Think about all the looting that happens when a neighborhood goes up in flames. You probably saw a great deal of news coming from looters in California during fire seasons. Make sure that you have all exposed wires repaired immediately and those long cords that keep your appliances and electronics running should be run along baseboards to prevent tripping and falling. A good number of house fires start with a hot lamp or appliance making contact with something combustible. If you need to leave your property unattended while repairs are made, make sure you have enough security set up to keep would-be invaders away.
These are just the very basics of how to keep your home secure. It is your new home after all and you have worked long and hard to get it. Put home security at the top of your “To Do” list and you will be enjoying that safe and secure home for many years to come.
