PROTECT YOUR HOME
AND FEEL SECURE
By Robert Hessel
ADVERTORIAL
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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
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