subject: Home Security Steps for Safe Families in Ohio [print this page] Home Security Steps for Safe Families in Ohio
A house exists at the center of family life. It is the place where people come together after a long day. Some individuals are even starting to do more work from their residences and have rooms that they use as offices. Unfortunately, just one burglary can disrupt your routine and throw a household into disarray. Prevention, therefore, is of the utmost importance for every Ohio family. The following are five home security steps for every household to keep in mind.
Do Your Research and Choose Wisely. Moving is not a simple process or something to be undertaken with frequency. When you are in the process of finding a new house, choose carefully. An essential consideration during any house hunt is safety. Not all neighborhoods are created equal and some are much more active than others in preventing crime. Selecting a place with a relatively low crime rate to begin with will help to boost your home security in the future.
Light It Up. Take a moment to consider your place as a burglar might, as if you were viewing it for the first time. During the day, pay attention to foliage and layout. If there are any major bushes or trees that obstruct the views of entryways, you might consider getting them trimmed. At night, evaluate the same areas as well as any dark patches you have on your property. A floodlight generally provides the best solution for big spaces. Motion-activated models are particularly effective because they startle off inexperienced criminals and quickly draw attention to suspicious activity at your place.
Lock Up Tight. The second of the twin pillars of locks and lighting can go a long way in preventing many crimes from happening in the first place. Every year, burglars break into houses through doors that are inadvertently left unlocked. Older models are also susceptible to burglar tools. Install modern locks on all doors, even ones that you do not use frequently. Complete home security also requires window locks, especially on ground level frames that could be easily pushed up by burglars.
Check Out Your Choices. While locks and lighting form an essential part of any strategy, a home security system is at the heart of any residence that is protected from harm. When it comes time to picking a company, be sure to thoroughly research the providers in the area. Deals that seem too good to be true often are and you should be wary of any unfamiliar company names. Look for the latest in technology as well, such as those models that back up the landline equipment via cell phone technology.
Establish Ties with Your Ohio Community. Make an effort to get out and get to know the people who live on your block. Chances are that you will be glad you did as you discover new friendships and make acquaintances. A united community also helps to prevent crime because burglars do not like areas where people pay too much attention to what is going on. Consequently, when you connect with your community, you are also boosting home security for all the households on the block.