How to Master Residential Safety with These 11 Tips
Being a victim of crime is always a horrific ordeal, but there’s something even more egregious when it occurs within your residence. Home is supposed to be your safe haven, and to be victimized there is unthinkable.
To save you from the horror of facing an intruder or home invasion—both of which leave a heavy psychological mark—we’ve got 11 tips to keep you safe.
Secure the Perimeter
Most criminals do their research. They don’t want to put themselves at risk or exert more effort than necessary. Therefore, the more obstacles there are between them and your home, the less desirable your property becomes.
Here are some great ways to convey the message that you’re protected:
- Limit opportunities for Concealment
Make sure hedges and bushes are trimmed—especially the ones near windows or other entry points. The goal is to limit areas that could conceal a criminal.
- Post signs
Signs indicating that alarm systems and CCTV cameras are on premises is an excellent deterrent. The signs don’t have to be obnoxious, just visible. You may also want to consider a “Beware of Dog” sign… even if you don’t have a dog.
The idea is to create as many hindrances as possible—some criminals are put off by cameras, while others are terrified of dogs.
- Physically secure property
A fence and a gated entrance can help limit access to the property.
Though scaling fences is a possibility, a fence surrounding the perimeter of the property limits automobile access, and prohibits anyone from driving right up to your home and making off in a vehicle packed with your possessions.
- Hire private security
If you’re part of an HOA or the owner of a large estate, consider hiring private security.
If it’s a neighborhood effort, the security guard can patrol the block. If you personally hire one, they’ll stick exclusively to your home.
Private security is your best recourse against home invasions and burglary operations since criminals avoid properties or areas where security guards are present.
Security guards can keep you safe from other threats as well. In California especially, wildfires are becoming more prevalent. Since security guards maintain round the clock vigil, they’re much more likely to spot fires or other potential threats to sleeping residents, and can alert the authorities and help the homeowners evacuate safely.
- Keep property clear of opportune objects
Ladders placed against the house near an upstairs balcony can be used by criminals to easily gain entry.
Even something as inconspicuous as an aluminum can is able to be cut and used to open any padlock or combination lock. Tools left out may be used by criminals to gain access to your property as well.
Do your best to keep the area around your property neat and clear of any objects that could possibly be used against you.
Secure Your Home
Implementing the following tips will transform your home into a secure home.
- Reinforce doors and windows
Investing in solid core doors that are secured with deadbolts. Ensure all windows and sliding glass doors lock and are reinforced. This lessens the likelihood of someone being able to shimmy one open and slip inside.
- Invest in a home security system
Home security systems are getting more sophisticated and investing in one not only increases your safety, it may also lower your homeowner’s insurance premium.
These systems can be set remotely, and homeowners are able to view activity on their smartphones via cameras set up in and around their home. Allowing them to maintain vigil on their property from afar, and receive alerts when the sensors are triggered.
Smart doorbells help with security as well, allowing homeowners to see who’s at the door before opening it.
- Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home.
Test them regularly, and have a backup supply of batteries on hand.
- Have working fire extinguishers and eliminate fire risk
It’s important to maintain working fire extinguishers. If you have the rechargeable kind, make sure it’s in working order. Know where the fire extinguishers are located, and how to use them.
Additionally, decrease the likelihood of a house fire by regularly changing the dryer lint trap. Never plug space heaters into a power strip. Always be vigilant whenever you light candles, and pay attention when cooking as most house fires originate in the kitchen.
- Have a means to defend yourself against intruders
If the worst-case scenario were to come to pass and an intruder made their way inside, it’s important you have the means to protect yourself.
Some choose to have pepper spray within reach of their bed, others learn how to keep themselves safe through regular self-defense classes or going through a comprehensive firearms training. Choose and become familiar with how you’ll defend yourself.
- Have an evacuation plan in case of emergency
It’s important to outline an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
If you sleep on the second floor and a fire breaks out downstairs engulfing the stairs, how will you safely exit? What will you do with your pets?
Conclusion:
Follow these tips, and enjoy some well deserved peace of mind.
