What is it about our homes that make us feel safe? Is it the sound of our kids running up and down the stairs? Is it the personalized décor? Is it the smell? Maybe it’s the locks on our doors and windows or the surrounding neighborhood? Whatever it is, we all want that feeling to last, right? Of course we do. So what are you doing to maintain the safety and security of your home? There are many tips and tricks you can use to safeguard your home, one of the best defenses is a customized comprehensive security system. As a trusted security systems provider for the past 23 years, our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. has helped homeowners maintain their peace of mind. We provide residential security solutions throughout northern and central New Jersey. At Perfect Connections, Inc. we believe a comprehensive security system includes burglar alarms, alarm monitoring, fire alarms, surveillance, smoke detectors, home automation, and some form of access control. Installing a comprehensive security system is part of a cohesive solution to feeling safe in your home. The following tips will help increase your security and safety awareness.
Time for a trim
Let’s take a look at the first line of defense. If someone is vetting your home prepping for a break-in, the first thing they’ll see is the exterior. The exterior of a home includes the landscape. You may or may not have a landscaper/gardener you charge with caring for plant and tree maintenance around your home. Either way you want to make sure the vegetation surrounding your home isn’t turning into a national forest. Why? High bushes and overgrown plants are the perfect hiding spots for would be thieves. According to Officer Mark Buetow of the Milwaukee Police Department this type of maintenance, “doesn’t cost but a few hours of your time, yet it can make a difference in making your property much less attractive to a burglar.” It’s imperative to keep plants near windows and entries low and non-obstructive. This will help you feel safer inside your home because you’ll be able to see clearly to the outdoors.
Light it up!
An exterior and interior feature that helps protect you and your home is lighting. No burglar wants to get caught in a “deer in headlights” situation while approaching your home. With exterior lighting that is motion activated and on timers your home becomes less appealing to potential invaders. Keeping lights on also increases feeling safer while at home. In fact being in the dark is a common fear and according to Hillary Johnston who holds a degree in Public Health and Disaster Management, “(it) is probably the number one reason we feel unsafe.” With energy efficient lighting options becoming more and more prevalent you won’t have to worry about energy costs as much. Using timers and/or home automation settings will help minimize electrical consumption as well. Including lighting as part of a home automation system will allow you to adjust your lighting preferences from afar as well. This feature can come in handy if you’re on vacation or away for an extended period of time.
Locks
One of the most simple and often forgotten or neglected things you can do to feel safer at home is lock your doors and windows. Did you know, “A surprising 30 percent (burglars) entered homes through an unlocked door, window or other opening without resorting to force,”? Many people fall into the mentality that their neighborhood is safe and nothing bad could or would ever happen. Unfortunately, no community is immune to crime. Don’t fall victim to a misguided sense of security. Use your locks! According to senior trainer for the National Crime Prevention Council Charles Sczuroski, “Sixty percent of all burglaries take place at ground floor doors and windows.” All the more reason to reinforce main entries and windows with dead bolts and sensors. Sensors on your doors and windows help alert you during a break-in by tripping your central alarm. The noise of an alarm typically makes the perpetrator flee in a hurry.
Security Systems
Aside from simpler techniques that make you feel safer in your home like drawing the shades at night, locking doors, trimming hedges, and lighting, one of the most effective crime deterrents is a comprehensive security system. Criminals are less likely to attempt a home break-in if they know there is an active alarm system. In fact according to the Electronic Security Association 9 out of 10 burglars purposefully avoid homes with security systems. There is a peace of mind you get from knowing your home is being monitored and protected that you can’t get anywhere else. It is our belief at Perfect Connections, Inc. that a comprehensive security system is the most effective way to safeguard what is irreplaceable, your family. As a top provider, we’ve been installing customized alarm systems to homes throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992. Our team can assess the security risks specific to your home and create a tailored solution that will help protect what matters most.
If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.
Image Credit: Image by Olger Fallas Painting-Flickr-Creative Commons