Improve Your Home Security

With many families traveling during the summer, home security becomes a more prominent concern. AHRN.com has put together four things you need to now about improving your home security.

With many military families renting their homes, home security can be a balancing act between the renter and the landlord. Home systems provide that extra layer of security – often functioning as a primary selling point for potential renters looking for homes with already installed systems. However, there are a range of options available to both renters and property owners wishing to improve their home security.

1. Garage

The garage might seem an odd focus for home security. For a thief though, an open garage offers an easy way to assess whether a home has valuable items. Even closed, a garage door that windows allows clear visibility to see whether or not a car is parked inside (and the inhabitants home). Older garage doors can be easy to open from the outside, offering a relatively simple means of forced entry. Solid garage doors (with no windows) and safety latches to prevent them from being forced open offer the greatest home security value.

2. Increase Visibility

Criminals looks for easy targets. Homes that can be entered and left with minimal chances of being seen fit the bill! Make your home an unattractive in that regard by keeping entry points well lit. Motion sensor lights are an effective, efficient way to keep your home illuminated, and spook someone who is sneaking around to trigger them.

3. Shrubbery

Shrubbery can both improve and detract from your home security, depending on its maintenance. Low thorny bushes can be a deterrent and make it more difficult for someone to access your home. Shrubbery allowed to get high and thick enough, however, can provide cover for someone trying to access your home unseen.

4. Inside Your Home

There are small key points when decorating your home that can contribute to your home security. Window treatments that block visibility while letting in natural light prevent easy assessment of your valuables.

Putting lamps and key lights on timers that cycle randomly prevent someone with criminal motives from easily identifying your schedule and when your home is most vulnerable.

5. Quick Home Security Don’ts

• Don’t put out boxes from high ticket new items like electronics – it lets thieves know exactly what you have in your home worth stealing.
• Don’t leave keys in traditional places (potted plants, under the mat). Instead, give a set of back up keys to a trusted friend.