5 Steps to a Secure Home

Safety at home is a priority for almost every family. Parents have to be vigilant against threats both outside and inside the house. Neighborhood predators and street violence in the community coupled with online bullies and hackers put family security at risk.

But with the proper precautions both inside and outside, you can help keep your family safe. Here are five safeguards for your home.

1. Bright Lighting

Keeping both interiors and exteriors well-lit can help to deter criminals from making your house a target. Of course, energy conservation is a priority, so invest in solar lights to keep walkways and steps around your home visible at night. Other areas to focus on both inside and outside include:

•Stairs

•Foyers

•Doorways

•Porches

backyard at night

2. Lock Down the Fort

Conducting a routine check of your door bolts and window locks is always a good idea. Ensure that things are working well and are tamper-proof. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, “Locks are a significant part of a comprehensive strategy for protecting your home, your loved ones, and your possessions.” They also point out that “not all locks are created equally.” The highest security locks are strong enough to sustain drilling, prying, pulling, wrenching, or kicking, and they have keys that are protected against unauthorized duplication by utility patents.

3. Home Security

In this day and age, many homeowners invest in a home security and surveillance system. House security systems will protect against burglary with an alarm system. And today, many are connected to your wireless device so that you can check in on everything at home even when you are out.

security camera feed

4. Inside Safety

Aside from potential burglars and predators outside the home, there are many disasters that can happen inside as well. Make sure to check your smoke detectors and replace batteries regularly. Also, keep an eye on your stove to protect against lethal gas leaks.

When young children live at home, be sure to plug all your electrical outlets with safe plastic caps. Fire danger is also a hazard with lots of cords and power strips. Don’t leave chargers plugged in when not in use, and keep charging laptops away from sheets and blankets that might ignite if the computer became too hot.

5. You vs. the Worldwide Web

Perhaps the biggest threat to you and your family is online with a global network of hackers and predators vying for your personal information. Software solutions like Safe Eyes or NetNanny can protect families from explicit content which they might run into on the internet. Other practical tips include keeping the children’s computers in the living room where parents can supervise the screen easily and using non-administrative accounts for kids which will limit what they are able to do. Finally, make sure to educate your family members about why it is important to be cautious online and how to be safe.

With these five steps, your family will be able to sleep soundly at night and be safe at home.

Image from www.homesecuritysystemsales.com

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