| When thinking about the safety of one's home, it can | | | | week and weekends |
| be hard to admit that looks are a concern just as | | | | - What your home looks like--doing a quick scan |
| much as considerations about costs and | | | | gives them a good idea of the appliances and |
| effectiveness. Barred windows are not attractive and | | | | electronics that you own |
| some people do not like the look of high, tightly | | | | 2. Accidentally leaving your doors and windows ajar, |
| locked fences, thick door locks, and visible | | | | which is more common than people think. Alarm |
| surveillance cameras. It can even feel like creating a | | | | systems, and even just the presence of an security |
| prison out of your own home. Homeowners want to | | | | sign or sticker, can effectively keep burglars away. |
| keep intruders away but the appearance of their | | | | - 35% of burglaries are "opportunity" crimes where |
| home is also important to them. | | | | the perpetrators let themselves in through unlocked |
| There are a number of alarm systems and monitored | | | | entrances |
| home security systems to choose from, and among | | | | - Investing in a small door chain and keeping it latched |
| them there are various options that are minimal in | | | | on at all times while you are home and when you |
| size and not visually abrasive. Here are three that you | | | | first open the door to strangers |
| may not have heard of. | | | | 3. Hiding valuables and spare keys in obvious places. |
| - Floor mats with pressure sensors that can trigger | | | | Home security systems are often purchased because |
| your alarm | | | | a homeowner wants to protect expensive assets in |
| - Alarm screens for your windows that can be used | | | | their home and filing insurance claims for stolen goods |
| with the window open or closed | | | | can be tricky. |
| - Motion sensors that can be hooked up in different | | | | - Do not hide keys under your porch plants or |
| areas of the home | | | | welcome rug, this is one of the first places burglars |
| There are many more cutting edge alarm systems | | | | look |
| and home security features out there that you can | | | | - Hiding valuables in your dresser drawer is also not a |
| inquire about. | | | | good idea, burglars are not scared of your underwear |
| Other home security tips and things to be aware of... | | | | - Tip: Children's rooms are often overlooked by home |
| 1. Strangers who knock at your door and slyly try to | | | | invaders |
| get you to feed them information. What they are | | | | 4. Leaving your home unattended for long periods of |
| looking for: | | | | time. A monitored security system is really effective |
| - Information about your financial status, employment | | | | in this case. If your home is invaded an alert is sent |
| and work schedule | | | | to the proper authorities, and even to your cellular |
| - Times you may be away from home during the | | | | devices as an option. |