In addition to your home security system, there are steps you can take to protect your home and family from burglary, fire and intrusion. Below are some basic tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

General Home Safety and Security

If out of the house for an extended period of time, create the illusion that someone may still be home. Leave a TV or stereo on in the room where a burglar would most likely break in. Use exterior lighting and motion detectors to minimize burglar concealment.

Make sure all exterior doors have good proper locks. Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.

If you get an unexpected knock at the door, check to see who it is before opening it.

Do not leave extra keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Thieves will generally find them. Find an inconspicuous place to hide the keys, or give a set to a neighbor you can trust.

Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.

Keep garage doors shut.

Keep drapes and blinds shut – especially in rooms where there is expensive equipment. Don’t advertise the items in your home.

Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.

Don’t leave notes on the door for service people or family members. These alert the burglar that you are not home.  If you’re going to be away from home for a few days, adjust your telephone ring to its lowest volume setting. An unanswered phone may tip off a burglar that no one is home. Also, have a neighbor or friend collect your newspaper and mail. Never cancel delivery – you don’t know who will get that information.

Hopefully you found some of these tips helpful.  Let me know if I can assist with any of your real estate needs.