Home Security At Holiday Time

You've been waiting for your holiday vacation for ages, but before you leave home, make sure your house is safe.

There are close to four burglaries per minute, every day, according to figures launched by the FBI. The majority of these break ins take place when the householder is away from the home. A great number of these burglaries could be prevented by beefing up your home security and installing a home security system.

The installation of a home security alarm, and home security surveillance cameras is one of the most common and effective ways to improve the security of your home instantly.

Many of these home security products also have the option of home security monitoring. Keeping your home safe against burglary, though, is not an exact science, and it would often take more than fancy gadgets to make sure thieves don't even think of setting foot on your property.

The left and right side of your home, as well as the front and back, for instance, can benefit from simple motion sensor lighting if you're on a lower budget.

As well as the external security there is a great deal that can be done inside the home to improve security. Check all locks on doors and windows replace any defective locks.

Patio sliding doors offer the opportunist thief just what they are looking for easy access , the reason is usually poor maintenance or security (broken lock). Don't get caught out this way thinking it will never happen, it does and it will.

A "Charlie bar", or maybe any sturdy piece of wood or metal can be placed in between your sliding doors, blocking the entrance and deterring any would-be thieves from breaking in when you aren't around.

At the very least you should block the track with a steel rod or wooden dowel to prevent any movement.

Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables include such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, other vehicles and any other device that requires a key.

Also, keep your identifying documents in the home safe as identity theft is always a potential threat these days.

If you don't have a home safe consider using a post office vault especially if you live in a high crime area.

You can also improve your home security by creating the illusion that someone is home even when everybody is out. You can set up timers on your electronic appliances to turn them on and off at specific times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.

Other security measures include stopping your mail and paper deliveries. If you have two vehicles leave one parked on your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway whilst you are away.

Have someone you trust, such as a friend or neighbor, to check on your home while you're gone. Do not, in any case, leave a "gone fishin'" or on-vacation message on your answering machine - it may sound cute, but your answering machine would have to be turned off instead.

If your home has any outbuildings (most likely you would), make sure these are safe as well, and keep your home and garage tools safely locked in the toolbox.

These tips are all helpful ways to keep your home safe, but take note this doesn't guarantee 100% safety. But the harder you make it for a burglar to gain entry the stronger your home security will be.

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