Home Security--Guest Post

Today I am welcoming Vickie Bailey with a Guest Post on Home Security.  Thank you Vickie!

Improving Your Home’s Security in Winter

You would think in winter that burglars would be less active. The cold and inclement weather, the often treacherous pavements and roads – none of these things add up to a particular pleasant or easy experience for anyone outside in winter. But the fact that it gets dark so early is a major contributing factor towards crime levels rising in winter. In addition, the festive season, with its influx of presents and consumer items, means that residential areas can become prime picking grounds for determined individuals who are set upon making their way into your home.

It should then be clear that with the onset of winter should come an added incentive for assessing and improving your home’s security. Here are some simple measure which you can take to make sure you and your family have a safe and uneventful Christmas.

The Perimeter

Your home’s perimeter is the first point of entry, and should therefore be your first point of assessment. If you have a fence, make sure it’s sturdy, has no holes, and will stand up to the winter winds. If you have a hedge, use a stick to search for holes and other weak points where entry might be gained. If your hedge isn’t very high, it might be worth installing a fence as well. If you have a gate, make sure to replace your gate lock at suitable intervals in order to prevent rust, and to prevent repeat prowlers from figuring out how to get around it.

Many people also use lighting to protect their home’s perimeter. This is a great choice if your home as no fencing or hedge around it. Motion sensor lights are a great way to detect movement on your property, and most are sensitive enough so that they won’t pick up the movements of small animals and birds.

Inside Your Home

Perhaps the most important element of your home security is your alarm system. Schedule regular tests to make sure it’s working properly, and replace your system at least every two years. Having a warning light attached to the outside of your home can act as a deterrent to would-be intruders.

Double check all of the locks on your doors and windows, and make sure to never leave any valuables lying around. These can include car keys and electrical items, as well as jewelry and money. If you’ve put up your Christmas tree, make sure to pull your curtains at night and switch off the tree lights, as these can be easily identified through material. In addition, check all of the glass in your doors and windows to make sure that they’re secure and unlikely to crack.