We enter another fall season. I know why it's called fall... the leaves. I have way too many trees and need to constantly rake falling leaves. But the fall colors are so beautiful and the change of season reminds us that the holidays are coming, time with family and great food. And for some... of course, football.
This is also a time of cleaning in the garden and getting ready for winter. Cleaning gutters is always on top of the list and some pruning or trimming your trees is soon to come. When looking at your home from the outside, what are some things you can do to make your home safer and protect your family from burglary? Although getting a home security system is your first step to protecting your family there are other steps can you take to make your home safe and sound.
Creating a Safer Home and Protecting Your Family
Take a look at your home from a burglars eye view. If you were a burglar how would you enter your home? What are some ways you can make your home a safer place to live? Here's a list of safety tips you can take care of why you are doing some outdoor fall cleaning:
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Make sure your ADT security sign is visible from the street. 90% of convicted burglars will simply pass a home with a security system.
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Install some motion lights outside your home. Install some not only in the front yard but also on the sides and back yard. Light deters would be thiefs and also makes it safer for your family when you arrive home.
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Install auto lights for the front porch and inside so you never come home to a dark home.
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An ADT Pulse security system with remote interactive services gives you the ability to turn lights on/off remotely and set lighting schedules with home automation features.
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Trim bushes and trees so you can visually see your front windows and walk way to the front door entry. It keeps burglars from hiding behind bushes, giving them the time to work on breaking into your windows.
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Do not leave ladders outside your home. Burglars can use them to reach a second floor window or get to a balcony and break into an upstair's door entry. Put ladders in your garage or workshop and if you do need to leave them outside make sure they are locked up.
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Personal safety tip: falls from ladders are one of the main causes of serious enjuries at home. Be very careful when cleaning the gutters, getting on the roof and trimming trees from your ladder.
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Look at structures and sheds you have around your home. Could a burglar get on top of a shed and get to a window? Possibly move the shed to another location.
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If you can get to a second floor window on top of a structure, from a tree or from your roof with easy access you may want to arm your window with an alarm window sensor for your home security system.
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Do not have your key hiden by your front door under a mat, a pot or in a fake rock.
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Lock your side gate. Many burglars enter homes by going through the side gate and kicking in the side gargare door.
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When you are leaving for the day or just a hour, remember to alarm your home security system, close every window and door and make sure they are locked.
While you are cleaning your yard and the gutters, "so fun :)", this fall take a bit of time to think about the safety of your home. Take a look at your home from a burglar's eye view and take the precautions necessary to protect your home and family. If you have not yet had a monitored security system installed, call 1-800-310-9490 to find out what your security options are. There are many security options including wireless security systems, hard wired systems and an existing securty system updated and monitored. Schedule a free home security review to find out more.
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