Home Safety Tips: 12 Ways to Keep a Home Safe from Criminals

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, it is always a good idea to practice home safety tips. Recent study shows that a lot of crimes are being committed in people's residences- burglaries, armed robberies, and home invasions to name a few. I would like to share a few tips that I have learned while attending a Realtor Safety Week seminar. In this seminar sponsored by the members of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR), home safety tips were discussed. The Realtor Safety Week is from September 9 through September 15.

Home Safety Tips # 1: Security Alarm System:

Consider investing in an alarm system for your home. For a minimal fee each month (average $40/month= average $1.33/day) you are buying yourself a peace of mind. Make sure that the alarm system has a panic button feature that you can easily use.

Home Safety Tips # 2: Deadbolts:

Your home should have deadbolts with full one-each bolts on all entry doors. These should be installed in addition to existing locksets. For doors with glass panels within three feet of the lock, it should have a double-cylinder deadbolt requiring a key on both sides; this way a burglar cannot simply break the glass and reach through to unlock the door. If your door has conventional glass panels, consider replacing them with shatterproof glass or polycarbonate material.

Home Safety Tips # 3: Re-Key Locks:

If you have just moved to a new house or apartment, have all the locks re-keyed immediately. Better yet accomplish this before you move in.

Home Safety Tips # 4: Limit Number of Keys:

Limit the keys only to members of the family that live with you. If you must share a key with a relative, especially when you are going on vacation and you need a house sitter- make sure that the person is trustworthy. Make sure that they return your key right away. If you have a hired help, for example a babysitter or a cleaning lady, and you ended up firing that person for whatever reason; make sure to change the locks immediately, even if you get your keys back.

Home Safety Tips # 5: Security Rods on Tracks:

Installing a home security alarm system is one of the ways to keep your home safe from criminals.

Credit: Josie Borlongan

Copyright: Josie Borlongan