Secure your doors. Burglars are used to forced entry. They will kick your doors to get in. You can’t give them the chance to enter your house or at least give them some hard time in invading your doorsteps! Use one-inch-long quality deadbolt lock and metal box strike in your metal doors. Using a high quality, durable, knob-in-lock with a built in dead-latch mechanism. You can install a 160 degrees peephole. But if you’re using sliding-glass patio doors secured by latches which make them more vulnerable to forced entry, you can insert a wooden rod or stick to put off or limit movement. You must also keep the latch mechanism as well as the sliding rollers in good state and they must be properly adjusted. Alarm systems and dogs are also advisable for sliding glass doors to keep burglars away.

Avoid accessible windows. These windows that can be easily accessed through a stairway, tree, or fence, should be secured with secondary blocking devices. You must also ensure that no one will reach the window to remove the installed blocking device. To hinder the window from being lifted up, you may want to use anti-lift devices. If you’ve got window air conditioners, you can secure them by using sturdy screws through wood or metal framing to prevent burglars from pushing them in.

Wise landscape gardening also aids in preventing burglars from entering your residence. Trim tall plants that can cover burglars and tree branches that can act as easy access route to windows and roof. Interior and exterior lighting are both essential for home security. Install lights near doors, windows, blind spots and pathways. You can also use interior light timers to show signs of occupancy. Exterior lights must allow 100-feet visibility.

Alarm systems have been proven effective in promoting home security. They are an effective method to discourage burglars because they increase the fear of getting caught red handed and arrested. In order for an alarm system to be effective, it must be properly installed and maintained. They must have a built in audible horn or bell. Your alarm response call list should always be up to date. You must also befriend your neighbors so you’ll be able to teach them how to respond when the alarm bells. Repeat that. You must befriend your neighbors. Invite them in your home. Do things you mutually like. Keep the communications open to establish trust. You will never know how they may help you when burglars get in. Hope these helps in keeping you at peace when you’re out of the house or you’re sleeping soundly at night.

In the real world, protecting your home and valuables comes down to a compromise between what makes you feel secure and what level of inconvenience you’re willing to tolerate. Homeowners in the inner city, for example, tend to hide behind iron bars, while those in more affluent communities generally count on alarm systems.

A dark-color house that has big overhangs and a recessed front door with no exterior lights but lots of trees and heavy shrubbery is an invitation to trouble. Setting up multiple roadblocks that steer intruders away from your house is a homeowner’s best protection. The more obstacles, the better chance of keeping the crooks out or at least slowing them down.

Even so, there’s no such thing as a foolproof home security system. Burglars can pry open a window in a matter of seconds, cut through iron bars in minutes, climb in and out of a house long before the cops show up and trick a guard dog into forgetting what it’s trained to do.

Home security should be a total package that considers everything from the structure itself to lighting, overhangs and landscaping. Motion detectors are a good idea, too.

The bright light not only discourages break-ins, but also alerts homeowners to potential problems. Security devices need not be expensive, either. Recommendations include dowels as well as nails, shims, screws or slide blocks to keep windows and sliding-glass doors from opening all the way.

There’s little homeowners can do to make louvered windows more secure. If you can’t afford to replace them, you can glue the panes into the window frame. All windows need to be at least 6 feet from door locks. If a window is too close, homeowners might be able to switch the lock to the opposite side of the door.

Exterior doors themselves should be solid-core, with hinges on the inside. Avoid glass-pane doors that make it easy for intruders to reach inside for the lock.

Also be wary of door styles with -inch wooden panels that burglars can easily kick in. Home security experts recommend deadbolts with a 2-inch throw on front doors. Double-key entries, which require a key on the inside as well as the outside, also are a good idea. But a double entry defeats the purpose if you leave the key in the door.

If you’re moving into an older house that already has iron bars on the windows, make sure they have a quick-release mechanism. Otherwise you could get stuck on the wrong side of a fire or other emergency. If you can’t get out, you’ve bought your own prison.

Monitored alarm systems are another good alternative. Prominently placed security company signs and stickers also act as deterrents. But be advised that troublemakers are wise to the generic alarm signs that some homeowners use in place of real systems. Sirens are better off inside than outside the house, because they tend to disorient intruders.

Homeowners should have have a backup to the basic alarm system. Consider a motion detector, heat sensor, magnetic contacts and glass-break detectors.

Landscaping is another important home security consideration. Shrubs should work with you, not against you to help keep you and your property safe. A wide-open, front-door entry, for instance, is far safer than one hidden behind trees. You don’t have to have a naked-looking house to be safe, but you don’t need to plant a jungle, either.

So-called security plants, including bougainvillea and natal plum, are a good choice. Nobody likes to hide out in bushes filled with thorns and stickers. Tall, substantial trees should not be close enough to the house to provide easy access to the second floor. And a 6-foot fence around the back yard isn’t going to do much good if you leave a 10-foot ladder, a sturdy trellis or a stack of pallets sitting in front of it.

No matter what type of security you choose, make sure it encompasses the entire house. Too often, homeowners concentrate on the front of their house, neglecting the rest. It’s all too common, for instance, to find an iron gate on a front door and unprotected louvered windows on the back.

Police officers suggest these additional security precautions for keeping out home intruders: Change all door locks when you move into a new house. Paint your address prominently on the front of the house and consider putting the numbers on the side facing the alley and on the roof. This will make it easier for police or other emergency help to find your place quickly.

Make sure all security devices are installed properly. Install a peephole in your front door, and use it. If you don’t know the person at the door, don’t open it. Make sure your window air conditioners are firmly secured. Often, all a thief has to do is push one through the opening. Examine greenhouse windows; some have bottom panes that easily lift out, providing easy access to the house.

A barking dog might scare off some burglars or at least alert a homeowner to potential trouble. But realize that an intruder can easily sidetrack the animal by tempting it with a treat and, perhaps, lacing it with a knockout drug. Keep your property clean and tidy.

An unkempt appearance says that you don’t care about your home and probably haven’t taken strong steps to protect it. An unprotected back yard is an open invitation to trouble. If you have a gate that can be locked, take the time to lock it. An open padlock is not going to fool anyone.

Inspect your mail slot to make sure someone can’t stick a hand through it and reach the door lock. Remember that most burglars expect you to hide an extra key within 10 feet of your front door and to use alarm codes keyed to your birthday, middle or maiden name. Be original.

Homeowners today must take precautions in establishing strong security protection in and around the home. The key is to make your house key the only way to enter your home. To prevent burglars from doing their job, take seriously the security of your house. The following checklist will help you determine whether your home is safe.

1. Is your house fairly isolated, far from neighbors, or hidden by bushes and not easily visible to neighbors?

Many families pay for their privacy with an open invitation to burglars. Shrubbery near doors and windows is a perfect hiding place for burglars. If your house is isolated and not visible to neighbors, take special precautions. Keep shrubs well trimmed, and make sure your doors and windows are secure. Use lights, good locks, strong doors and, best of all, an electronic home security system monitored by the security company.

2. Does your home have exterior lighting?

A well-lit home is one of the best ways to protect your home. Lights won’t keep thieves out, but they will make it easier for neighbors to stop a prowler.

3. Do you leave an inside light on while away from home?

Many people arrange for a neighbor to check their home and turn lights on or off while they’re away for any length of time. Even better, some security systems can turn selected lights on and off automatically so it always looks like someone’s home.

4. Do you have an attached garage?

Unattached garages are safer than attached garages. They don’t provide a sheltered access to the main house for a burglar. But the door between your attached garage and your home can be protected with a home security system.

5. Are you aware of burglaries or incidents of vandalism in your neighborhood?

The safest neighborhoods, of course, are those that never have home invasions. But even in these havens, there’s no guarantee they’ll be crime-free forever. Don’t wait until crime hits your neighborhood before taking any precautions.

6. What are your doors made from?

Metal doors are best, but heavy, solid wooden doore are still good. If you have light, hollow wooden doors on any outside doors, it would be a good idea to replace them.

7. Do any of your doors have windows in them?

Windows and doors are anything but a safe combination. They can give burglars clues to whether or not you’re home. And they’re an easy access to your door locks. An electronic security system will notify you and the police if the windows or doors are opened in an attempted burglary.

8. What kind of locks do you have on your doors?

There is no lock that can’t be picked, but deadbolts give a higher degree of protection than spring locks, which can be opened in seconds.

9. How many locks do you have on your windows?

Standard window locks are far too easy to open. A second lock, made especially for windows, will add more protection.

10. Have you ever left keys outside your home?

Any hiding place you can think of, a burglar can think of, too. Leaving keys with a trusted neighbors is better.

11. Do you ever leave your doors or windows open when running an errand, working in the yard or sleeping?

Open windows and doors are a security risk, but no one wants to keep the house closed up all the time. With many security systems, you can enjoy the fresh air of open door or window while still protecting other entrances.

12. When away from home for extended periods of time, do you arrange to have a trusted neighbor look after your home and pick up mail and newspapers?

Overflowing mailboxes and piles of newspapers are a signal that the homeowners are away. Arrange with a trusted neighbors to have your mail and newspapers picked up regularly to create the appearance that the residents are around. If this doesn’t work for you, have the post office and newspaper discontinue the service until you return.

It’s always wise to stay alert to developments in the home security market. Read home magazines and attend home products shows for information on the latest products and services.

In general, no safer home or business establishment could be found than those with installed home  security system. They operate very successfully as they turn down any possible burglar or intruder. Besides, surveillance equipment can be used as evidence in putting criminals in prison.

Apart from alarms used against burglars, other security devices such as fire alarms are offered. They work by detecting fire without allowing it to spread all around. These units can be found in local electronic stores and security companies. However, if you want to make a quick purchase, you can buy them online, with free delivery and installation included in the price.

Nowadays, a great number of home security companies offer efficient and inexpensive security equipment of high quality. What’s more, the products are previously checked making sure that each device works at its best. Still, it is necessary to be very careful when you choose a particular security company, as it should be the one reliable and trustworthy at the same time. Additionally, make sure to check for the quality assurance seal in the packaging of the device that you are planning to purchase.

As already said, there is a wide range of various home security devices, so which one you are going to choose depends on your personal demands. The most commonly used are anti-burglary systems, anti-fire sprinkler systems, security alarm system, closed circuit television cameras, and the traditional fire extinguishers. Yet, in order to bring your device to the maximum, you can use items such as sprinklers and fire alarms that work in tandem to give a better result. Furthermore, you can combine your cameras and your alarms so that motion detected immediately activates any burglar alarm installed.

When all said and done, think of buying a home security system since it guarantees that you and your family will be fully protected even if you are far away from home. And, piece of mind is something that really matters, isn’t it?

As a matter of fact, biometric locks technology is not anything new.  It is already known that scanning of the fingerprint for the identification of an individual has been used for many years and for many different reasons. Well, in the last couple of years this technology has begun to include the home protection, as well. Using biometric locks make people feel more secure as it gives a piece of mind. You don’t have to be worried anymore that they will be picked, or that a credit card or other tool will be used to break into your house. Moreover, if you choose a biometric entry, you will never have to worry about lost keys, as it might be the case with a traditional key lock. Besides, there is no need to be worried about forgotten pins which usually happens with keypad locks. All you need to do is to scan your finger, and you will easily get into your home.

In addition, you can have a constant control over the number of people that have access by providing registration of their fingerprints. This is a perfect thing, as fingerprints are the best way to identify an individual and you never have to worry about the wrong person entering your home by mistake since no two fingerprints are alike even on the same person.

Another good thing about biometric locks is that you can use them both inside and outside of your place. It means that if you provide your room with a biometric lock you will keep all your valuables more protected than high security safes. However, fingerprint scanning can be of great help if you also need to keep those you live with you out of a particular room if you want to.

It is advisable that any individual in need of a biometric lock should consult with an expert who has a long experience in the installation of such kind of system. Biometric locks are made in various designs, both for offices and houses. Unlike home biometric locks, those made for the offices are smaller in design, and they are good in accommodating different weather conditions.

Make sure you reinforce the door of your house in order to prevent it from breaking down with simple kicks.

Your doors should be made of metal or solid wood, as doors made of hollow-core wood are very easy to break into and should only be used for inside doors.

Outside doors and sliding doors should be equipped with specially selected deadbolts and cylinder locks.

Make sure the window and door hinges are only found inside your house.

Install window glass break detectors sound alarms just to be safe if someone tries to force into your house. This kind of alarm system will scare off any intruder

You are recommended to trim any trees or bushes around your house, as they can be a perfect place for burglars to hide. Although we usually want to preserve the privacy of our homes from neighbors or street passersby, still it should be better to make your home look more visible

Take advantage of lighting outdoors to ensure that your house entrances are well-lit. If you provide photosensitive lights, you can be sure that they will turn on automatically when it gets dark. Besides, if you want to save some energy, heat-sensing and motion-detecting lights will turn upon being activated.

Check whether storage sheds and garage are locked as well and keep any tools , especially ladders out of burglar’s sight as he could use them to get to higher windows.

Have a well-run home inventory so that you can give any necessary information on things that you miss to the police and your home insurance company, in case there was a break-in.

You have to be very conscious of the fact that the comfort of your home is now on the lower level than it was 20 years ago. There is a bigger risk of burglaries and home invasions. For that reason, you should really think of getting an additional security by making some small changes in your home like fastening the doors, windows, and other areas.

Many people have found out that motion detection lighting can be very helpful to them. It deters a possible burglar to break into your home, and also alerts you to any strange things that might be happening outside of it. Besides, it gives you time to send a call to the police if there is need for it.

Another way people can make sure that they are safe in their home is to check the locks on the windows and doors of their home. Many homes have locks which allow an intruder an easy access to the house. Because of that, it is better to strengthen them by kits or even replace them all.

Usually, people have shrubbery around their houses. This can give a nice look to their home, but it can also be a perfect place for burglars because they can hide and watch people coming and leaving waiting for the best time to break in. Hence, you are advised to trim them as that can prevent this from happening to you.

However, if you think of buying come good home security system it does not necessarily mean giving a huge amount of money for it. Some cheap methods are also available. Spending some time in order to provide an easy home security does not involve more than just a simple click on your mouse.  In the end, you will feel satisfied for making a worthwhile investment.

All in all, getting additional security to your home should really be of your main concern, taking into account that the crime rate increases more and more these days. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options and you can certainly find home security system which best fits your needs.