Everyone wants to feel safe at home. After a long day of work or running errands, you want to come home to a space where you feel safe and at ease. Unfortunately, one theft or break in can leave that feeling of safety shattered.
Thankfully, there are ways to make your home safer so that you can live without worry of an incident. Consider adding some of these safety measures to your home.
1. Dead bolts: Most burglars and thefts are looking for an easy hit through unlocked doors and windows or easily-picked locks. Dead bolts on your exterior doors can add a layer of protection to your home by preventing an easy opening.
2. Motion-sensor lights: Crimes of opportunity also involve selecting homes that are cloaked in darkness. Shadows allow potential thieves to hide in the dark. However, the use of outdoor motion-sensor lighting can scare thieves away when the once darkened yard is suddenly illuminated by a flood of light.
3. Security alarm: If your budget allows this option, installing a security alarm is an effective method of theft deterrent. Choose an alarm company that offers 24/7 monitoring and that will call the authorities if the alarm is tripped. For those that don’t wish to spend the money on an alarm system, you can purchase a fake (yet realistic) yard sign or window sticker that advertises a security company in order to trick burglars into thinking your home has this protection.
4. Smoke detectors: Installing smoke detectors in every room of your home provides the best protection in case of a fire. Make it a routine to manually check the batteries every six months in case you’re away while the chirp signifies a dying battery. In addition to smoke detectors, plan a fire escape emergency plan with your family and run a practice drill annually.
5. Kitchen safety: Most home fires ignite in the kitchen as a result of forgetfulness or negligence while cooking. To prevent accidental spills, turn pan handles in toward the wall and coil up appliance cords neatly on the counter. Keep flammable items away from the stovetop and any hot pans or appliances. And most importantly, never leave cooking food unattended.