10 Ways to Safeguard Your Home

Did you know that a burglary occurs every 15 seconds? You can take some simple steps to keep from becoming a victim. The main idea is to make your home less attractive to burglars who are looking for a quick, easy target. The basic strategies are to make it hard to get in your home and to make it look as if someone is at home.

1.       Always lock your doors when you leave. Use a high quality deadbolt lock on all of them. Don’t forget the garage door and back doors—the prime entry spot. Almost half of all burglaries are committed by thieves who gain entry through unlocked doors or windows.

2.      Lock your windows and sliding glass doors. Prevent sliding glass panes from being opened by placing a dowel or even a broomstick handle in the track, thus preventing it from being opened from the outside.

3.      Install outdoor lights with motion detectors.  Aiming them towards doors and windows (which are the favored point of entry, remember?)

4.      Install an alarm system.  Now place the monitoring stickers where they will serve as deterrents.

5.      Put interior and exterior lights on timers when not at home. These inexpensive devices will make it look as if someone is home. Burglars will notice the house that is always dark or that has lights left on for too long.

6.      Trim shrubbery and trees near the windows and doors.  That way no one can hide there.

7.     Be neighborly, Part 1.  Going away for a couple days?  Ask a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers or cancel them while you are gone.  Return the favor for them.

8.  Be neighborly, Part 2.  Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway to give the impression that someone is coming and going.

9.  Be neighborly, Part 3.  Get a trusted person to mow your lawn as well. Uncut lawns are a beacon to burglars.

10.  Answering machines.  Do not leave messages that indicate you will not be at home.

Final Tip:  If anything looks suspicious when you arrive home again, use your cell phone to call the police. Do not enter.

Another way to protect yourself is through adequate homeowners insurance. Talk to a local friendly agent about your needs and ask about Newburgh NY insurance rates. You can save on New York homeowner insurance rates when you let them search the top carriers in the country. Be sure to inquire about insurance discounts as well for security measures such as an alarm system.