- Lights – Make sure it’s easier to see around your house then in your house at night.
- Locks – Use the locks that are on your doors and windows always all the time.
- Improve Locks – Reinforce your dead bolts (here’s how)
- Increase Visibility Around Entrance – Cut back bushes or anything else the blocks the view of your doors from the street or at a distance.
- Know Your Neighbors – If you are friends with your neighbors they will look after your stuff and you can look after theirs.
- Fire Extinguishers – Have at least two, one in the kitchen and one on the other side of the house.
- Smoke/CO Alarms – The more the alarms the better, not just smoke but Carbon Monoxide detectors.
- Alarms – You can get a whole house system, but can also get personal alarms and stick them to doors and windows (I use these).
- Schedule – Don’t keep the same schedule all the time everyday. Bad guys notice if you are gone the same time everyday.
- Advertising – Don’t show off everything you have to the outside world. Don’t leave computers, TVs, etc. in front of windows for the world to see.
I know we can’t do all of these, but do what you can. Anything is better then nothing. Or even better yet, work down the list, one at a time.
Stay Safe,
Ben
Yeah, I know what you mean about them being extra work. We have 6 dogs total. Dog training is a hobby of mine so they aren’t too much trouble. Once in a while a shoe or something will get chewed up but I just look at that as a cheap security investment.
These are great safety measures that everyone should follow. Don’t wait until you get robbed like my wife’s parents. I would also suggest getting a gaurd dog if possible. We have a rottie and a bloodhound on security detail within an invisible fence. Well worth the money and if properly trained these dogs can be extremely obedient and trustworthy around kids.
I probably should make a dog number 11. I’m just not sure having a dog is easy? And what type of dog is a little work to figure out. I have a dog right now that isn’t the best security tool. She generally hears the door after I do, and wants to meet people, not keep them away. She reminds me of that insurance commercial with mayhem acting as the dog while the burglars clean out the joint. But generally speaking a dog is a really good security tool and I should probably add that one in. Thanks.