FEEL SECURE IN THE NEW YEAR By Robert Hessel Your home is your family’s shelter. Therefore, it’s important for your family members to feel safe and comfortable in and around your home. However, if safety has become a concern, you should consider a home security system and make other efforts to increase your home security. If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips. On television shows, all sorts of expensive, high-tech gadgets are used to break into businesses and houses, regardless of their security systems, but that’s television. In the real world, the average burglar in Florida is interested in looking for easy targets. Thieves want to get in, get the loot, and get out fast. As a homeowner, it’s your job to make sure that your home doesn’t look like a target. Most homeowners would never leave a door unlocked when they leave the house. But unfortunately, they often leave windows unlocked or open. Thieves look for these opportunities. Be sure to keep your windows closed and lock them properly. You should also consider a wireless home security system for your windows since windows are easy to break, even if they are locked. Because the front door of the home is usually in full view of the street, thieves often target other entrances. This means that all entrances to your home should have a high level of security including a solid or metal door, a dead bolt with a bolt extension of at least 1 inch, a heavy-duty, oversized strike plate including 3-inch screws, and 3-inch screws in door hinges that bite farther into the door frame. Don’t forget to treat the door between your garage and the home the same. If you have a sliding patio door, reinforce its security with a broomstick in the track or a store-bought device that will protect it from being pried open. If you install an internet compatible home security ADVERTORIAL 108 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 system, you can monitor your home from anywhere on your smart phone. Thieves watch the lighting of homes to see if the occupants are inside. Proper lighting acts as a deterrent to thieves. Since thieves want to avoid being seen, if you park outside, light the area. As most people don’t want to light the backyard all night, they use a motion sensor for side entrances, back doors and patio door entrances. Don’t forget to put lights on timers inside your home. Even if you’re just away for a short weekend, you still want your home to look like your family is there. Timers are easy to set up and inexpensive. The best protection is a home security system. Advances in technology have made home security systems more affordable for the homeowner. At the same time, wireless technology has allowed the home security industry to provide customers with more useful services than ever before. They are quicker to install than older wired systems. They do not damage your walls. Likewise, cameras are easy to place and then later move. With remote access to security information, you can tell that your child got home from school via your computer at work. With wireless cameras inside your home, you will have access while you are away, access to monitoring for theft or fire. Even a security system sign in your yard is a major deterrent to theft. Home security is a major concern for many families in the Tampa Bay area, so if your family doesn’t feel secure, don’t hesitate to contact a leading security system such as Source 1 Solutions in Clearwater to help keep your family safe all year long. 9 EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Hessel at Source 1 Solutions can be contacted at (727) 538-4114 or visit source1security.com
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