Austin Home Surveillance System
People are spending a lot more time at home these days, so home security is often one of the last things on their minds. But it really should be a priority. Why? It’s simple: home invasions have not decreased to the point that we can afford to neglect or disregard our home security needs. Burglary is a major issue across America and should be concerning to everyone who wants to protect loved ones and property.
According to Alarm System Report, the odds of experiencing a home invasion are extremely high: there are over 2,000,000 burglaries reported across America every year. And 47% of those burglaries are home invasions in the South—Texas included. So, what can you do to decrease the odds of your home being invaded? Your best course of action should include the purchase and installation of a quality monitored home security system at your home. Dyezz Surveillance and Security can assist you with choosing the best system as your first line of defense. But there are several other security measures you can take to further protect your home as well. Read on for five home security tips to help you avoid being a home invasion target and to add a sublayer of defense against burglary.
- LOCKS
Many home security networks today have “smart locks” that are integrated into the system, but “old school” locks are still useful. Strong, high quality locks should be fitted to doors and windows. Deadbolt locks with reinforced strike plates are regarded as the best type of lock to include in your home security plan because they offer superior protection over other types of locks when installed correctly. It is also important to remember to be diligent when it comes to utilizing your locks—always lock doors and windows at night and when you leave your house.
- KEYS
Of course, you would never purposely leave your housekey dangling from your exterior door lock. But it is also important to remove your keys from interior locks. Keeping them out of sight and safely stashed away from the door is best, so intruders cannot access them by breaking a nearby window and reaching inside, for instance. Furthermore, you should never leave a spare key “hidden” in a convenient location such as in a flowerpot, behind a loose masonry brick, or under a rock or doormat; burglars will look in those most obvious places before attempting other means of entry. (If you want to keep a spare key accessible for specific friends or family members who might visit—or in case you get locked out—another option is to store the key in a heavy-duty combination lock box mounted in an inconspicuous spot, such as a fence post. Note: a very skilled burglar might be able to break the lock box or decipher the code.)
- ENTRY POINTS/DOORS AND WINDOWS
Make sure all the doorframes and window frames of your house are sound and in good condition, so they are not easily compromised. When it comes to exterior doors and windows, stay away from hollow doors which are easy for burglars to kick open with little force, as well as sliding doors which they can lift off the track easily. Windows should have individual stops and/or pin locks.
- PEEPHOLES
While front door security cameras and video doorbells are becoming more popular and more common, the old standby of a peephole can still be a valuable safety tool. A peephole is inexpensive and easy to install, and they are low-maintenance. Ideally, it should be a peephole that allows a wide-angle view. Bonus: an existing peephole can be converted to allow regular use as well as use as video doorbell.
- LIGHT
Light is one of the most critical things to think about when it comes to home security. Home invaders want to keep out of sight, which means lurking in darker areas—like behind overgrown landscaping, especially during daytime burglaries. At night, they will hide in the shadows and most poorly lit areas around a house. Maintaining landscaping by keeping bushes and other plants pruned well is one way to manage the light in your favor. And installing outdoor lighting is also effective for increasing security at night. It is also important to mention the value of timed lighting and motion sensors here: indoor lights on timers and outdoor lights equipped with motion sensors are also key security enhancements.
Dyezz Surveillance and Security is your go-to provider of security solutions in the Austin and San Antonio areas. To learn more about the company and how they can help you with your security needs, and to receive a free quote for service plans, contact the expert team of security professionals today.
Article written by: Erika Mehlhaff