How To Secure Your Home

Sep 11, 2011

By Staff writer State Farm™ Employee

Whether you live in a house, a condo, or an apartment, a break-in can permanently shatter your feeling of security at home.

Here is a security checklist:

  • Secure your home with quality locks on doors and windows.
  • Make your home look occupied all the time. Leave a light or lights on when you're away, preferably with an automatic timing device.
  • Take care of your keys; don't give others a chance to duplicate them.
  • Don't hide spare keys outside your home; instead, give one to a trusted neighbour.
  • If you leave for an extended time, stop deliveries, such as mail and newspaper.
  • Don't let strangers in or let them know when you'll be away. Don't leave notes for friends or family that could give this sort of information to burglars.
  • Don't tell strangers your daily routines or invite them into your home.
  • Avoid telling others about the valuables in your home.
  • If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as not talking with strangers about their home, its contents, or family schedules.
  • Have police and a trusted neighbour check your home if you are away for very long.
  • Insure your possessions and keep an up-to-date home inventory.
  • Record serial numbers or identifying marks on theft-prone items.
  • Keep valuables in a safe deposit box.
  • Find out about burglar alarm systems and install one.
  • Eliminate easy hiding places. For example, keep shrubs and trees close to the house trimmed.
  • Trim lower branches of trees near your house if they could help a burglar gain access to a second story window.
  • If you live in an apartment, notify management if you notice security safety concerns.
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Tags homeowner, preparedness, prevent, safety, security

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