| The 21st century maybe the age of technological | | | | flowerpot where someone could easily find it and |
| innovations, but it has also been an age of social | | | | enter your house. If you have a security code pad to |
| instability all around the world. The economic crisis of | | | | enter the garage make sure you explain to your kids |
| 2008 didn't make things any better at home in the | | | | not to tell the home security code to any interested |
| United States as unemployment, homelessness, and | | | | strangers. |
| crime went up. Those looking for a little extra money | | | | 5.) Make your house number easily visible from the |
| to pay the bills may grow desperate enough to | | | | street. This helps to make sure nothing covers the |
| break in and steal personal belongings. Living in a high | | | | number, which you can do with good front porch |
| status neighborhood, you might think that these | | | | lights that have a digital timer which comes on during |
| problems won't affect you. However the reality of | | | | the evening hours. |
| the situation is that everyone needs to take the | | | | 6.) Buy a dog. A dog can be a loving companion and |
| proper precautions when it comes to their home | | | | a good security guard. They can alert you whenever |
| security. So what are some good ways to protect | | | | someone comes near or inside your house. If you |
| you, your family, and your home? | | | | can't handle a dog then buy a "Beware of Dog" sign |
| 1.) The first most important step is to realize that | | | | and stick it up on your fence. |
| your home security ultimately comes down to you | | | | 7.) Secure your windows, sliding glass, and garage |
| and your effort in taking the steps to ensure a safe | | | | doors. Make sure these openings are secure, because |
| home. Neighborhood security can be of some help, | | | | an intruder will likely target an unconventional opening |
| but usually the little details are important on your | | | | to enter over the front door. |
| home. | | | | 8.) Also, secure your perimeter with outdoor lights, a |
| 2.) A good preliminary step is to call the local police | | | | fence to keep people from browsing around your |
| and have them give you a house inspection. They | | | | property, and trim your trees and bushes so you |
| can look at the house to make sure there are no | | | | eliminate hiding spots. |
| potential entrances for burglars. They can also advise | | | | 9.) Join a neighborhood watch program. It's a good |
| you on common neighborhood problems and on good | | | | way to increase neighborhood unity in dealing with |
| home alarm systems. | | | | issues such as robbery, and you will meet many of |
| 3.) Reinforce your doors and locks. It is an easy step | | | | your neighbors. |
| to buy a new deadbolt and it doesn't cost very much | | | | 10.) Finally, the most important step towards insuring |
| around $25-70. If you want stronger door they can | | | | home security is to set up a good home alarm |
| be upgraded for around $300. | | | | system. With a home alarm system you can truly |
| 4.) Don't leave extra keys to your house in the front | | | | ensure that nobody unwanted will be able to enter |
| entrances. This means don't put a key under the | | | | your home. |