It's summertime again and that means its time to talk summer security! The weather is nice, the kids are off school and everyone is enjoying as much time outside as possible. It's important to be safe during these summer months. With that said, here are 8 summer security tips to keep your home and family secure.
With the good weather, you'll be outdoors often. Whether it's for a short period of time or longer, make sure you keep your house doors locked when away. A locked door is the best way to keep unwanted people out of your home. Never leave your guard down. The easiest way to protect your home is by locking doors. Otherwise, anyone can enter your home at any time.
This summer are you going on vacation? Good chance you are. Many people take advantage of the summer months by heading to the lake or beach. Maybe you're visiting relatives. If you're traveling, make it seem like you're home when you're not. Put your lights on timers. Also, make sure someone can pick up your mail if it's left outside. These are both easy signs of an empty house. And an empty home is a prime target for a burglar. Give the perception that you're home when you're not. That will deter potential burglars.
Heading out of town for a few days? Going to be away from the house for the day? Don't post these types of things on social media. Social media is nice to relay certain messages to friends. One big mistake people make is posting that they're leaving their home unattended for extended periods of time. This is especially bad if you have a public profile. Make sure you turn your Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat accounts to private. Plus never mention if you're going out of town.
Homes with monitored alarm systems are three times less likely to have a break-in than those without. They work and are a strong deterrent to would-be burglars. Home insurance companies recommend them and will give you a discount on your insurance for having one. Make sure to use your alarm system. It won't do anything if it's not turned on. Use it at nights and when you're away from the house. Plus put in your lawn signs and stick up your window decals. These will show burglars you have an alarm system. Alarm systems work. They'll instantly help protect your home and family.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Shut your home’s blinds and keep your car inside your garage. If you can’t put your cars in your garage, make sure you don’t leave the garage door opener in the vehicle overnight, especially if you have a door that leads from your garage into your home. This is easy for thieves to gain access to your home. Remember to hide other valuables when you leave town. If you buy an expensive TV or computer, conceal the box before putting it out in the trash.
Install motion activated lights. Motion sensor lights can throw off burglars and alert you and your neighbors if someone is creeping around your property. This is a cost-effective first line of defense against intruders.
Be sure you have deadbolts on all entry points. It is surprisingly inexpensive to cut for and install deadbolts to existing entry doors.
A good relationship with your neighbors will keep the likelihood of suspicious activity going unreported at your home low.
Your home is your most valuable asset, so it’s important to protect your property. During the summer, you’re out of the house more, which leaves your home vulnerable to burglars. Stay cool and above all stay safe.
