Home security systems today are very advanced. They can have cameras, fingerprint specific access, lasers, eyeball scans, guard dogs and whatever else any spy movie has ever showed us. We at HomePro think home security is important, and there are ways to keep your home safe WITHOUT using futuristic technology.

One easy tip to improve your home’s security is to change the locks completely. For example, if you were to purchase a home built in 1945, can you imagine how many people have had the key to that home? Changing all your locks can prevent a previous tenant, or a previous burglar from entering your home.

On the note of burglars, it is a common misconception that burglars strike at night. According to the criminological Theory of Daily Activities, burglars most often strike during the day when everyone is at work.

In the summer, it is important to make sure that windows with air conditioners in them are tightly closed. You can do this by using a piece of wood and wedging it into the top part of your window. Not only will your air conditioner be locked in place, but no one will be able to open your window and climb in.

Continuing with windows, your basement windows are susceptible to break-ins too! Through our experience of home inspections, it is common to see basement windows with cracks and other damage. This is because homeowners do not usually inspect their own basement windows. Always be sure to check your basement windows so that you do not invite burglars or insects/animals into your home.

When going on vacation or a trip away from home, it is sometimes a better idea to post about your vacation online AFTER you return home. Social media is great because it connects people in a personal way, but it is a double-edged sword sometimes. Be careful what you post.

Our last security tip is EXTREMELY EASY. It is a security system that cannot be bought with money: BEFRIENDING YOUR NEIGHBORS! Your neighbors can be a great tool in defending your home against burglary or other disaster.

 

In the home inspection world, it is not uncommon for us to be investigated by neighbors as we are performing our inspections, and we appreciate the skepticism! We let our clients know that if they purchase that home, they will have an amazing security system in the form of their neighbors.