Home Is Where You Are Safe
How to choose a safe home, and how to keep it secure.
When house searching we consider many things, the number of rooms, and bathrooms, the size of the master bedroom, etc. Do we want a patio or no patio? Large yard or small yard? Stairs or no stairs? One tree or five trees? It’s easy to get caught up in a picturesque idea of what we long for in a home, but there are other crucial things to consider before purchasing the “perfect house”.
How to choose a safe Home:
Neighborhood inspection:
Whether you’re a single workaholic, a mother of 1, a family of 4 or a family of 10, you will want to observe the neighborhood you are considering calling home. Here are a few ways you can observe the area.
- Introduce yourself to your potential neighbors. If you get weird vibes or rude responses, trust your gut. A peaceful and friendly neighborhood is good for your overall security. Friendly neighbors look after eachother. Weigh the worth, chances are you can find something better.
- Look around. Are the homes around yours well kept, or are they junk yards? Remember that the worth of your home isn’t dependent on your actions alone.
- What kind of businesses are around? Is there a mini market on your street? Pay attention to the attitudes of those circulating your area.
Crime Rate:
Do your research. Crime rates vary depending on location, so you’ll want to be sure that the crime rate is low. When researching, make sure you aren’t looking only at robbery or invasions. You’ll want to check the crime rate for violent crimes, and see what’s going on in the schools nearby. If possible, try not to rely on statistics alone. Ask those in the area how they feel about the safety of their neighborhood. If you hear several horror stories, it might be in your best interest to reconsider.
How to keep your new home secure:
Once you’ve surveyed the area, and feel good about moving into your new home, you’ll want to be sure that your home is as secure as it needs to be.
Replace the locks:
Make sure that your home has new locks, it’s always possible that the people before you made additional keys. You don’t want anyone else having access to your home. When replacing the locks consider the durability and reliability of your options. Depending on the needs of your household, keyless locks may be a benefit to you, or maybe all you need are deadbolts. Either way, be sure your locks are chosen well. If you have questions about lock replacement, feel free to give on of our Locksmiths a call!
Install a security system:
Security systems are nearly necessary in the world these days. It seems that alarms are one of the few things that still deter thieves and other criminals. Stay safe by installing an alarm in your home.
Consider security cameras/ sensor lights:
Just the appearance of security cameras alone will lower your chances of burglary. If you can’t afford the real deal, spend 10 or 20 dollars on a fake set and place them around your home. Sensor lights are another sure way to scare off a burglar. They don’t want to be caught, so expose them with light, and you’ll be impressed at how fast they flee.
These are only a few ways you can secure your home. If you are interested in learning more, visit some of our other posts on home security, or give one of our Locksmiths a call!
