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Home security is on the minds of every homeowner. It is important to remain vigilant and aware of changes that can impact your personal and home security. In the following article, you will learn about the times when it will be most important to pay attention to your home security. There are 5 main signs you should look for that will indicate it is time to reevaluate and step up your home security measures.
If you recently moved into a new home, you will want to be extra cautious about your home security during this time. New homeowners are often stretched thin, distracted, and understandably exhausted from moving for days, if not weeks, on end. There are a couple of things you will want to fit in on your to-do list if you are a new homeowner.
Even if the previous homeowners handed over all of their known key sets to you, it is always best to be safe rather than sorry. You can never know for sure if a key to your new home is floating our there somewhere unbeknownst to you. The previous homeowners could have easily forgotten that they loaned extra keys to friends or babysitters. You do not want to take that chance that someone you do not know will show up unannounced with a working key. You can avoid any mishaps and take your home security into your hands by rekeying or replacing your current locks so only a new set of keys will lock and unlock your home.
You may move into a home that is quite dark at night and lacks exterior lighting. This is one of the first things you should pay attention to and adjust upon moving into a new home. Poorly lit homes are often easy targets for break-ins, so it is important to keep the front, sides, and back areas of your home well lit.
Chances are, if you have lived in your home for a while, your locks may be past their prime. Deadbolt locks and other kinds of hardware are only meant to last 5 to 7 years at the most. Even with proper maintenance and care, not every lock will last forever. It can be dangerous to use faulty or worn locks for too long since they are much easier for criminals to break. Replace any locks around your home that are placed on exterior doors if you have not done so within the last 5 years.
If you travel a lot for work or go on extended stays away from your home, this is a sign that you need to be strict with your home security. Empty homes are the easiest targets for robberies, especially if a criminal can pick up on the fact that you may be out of town for some time. Make sure to install alarm and security systems to help ensure the protection and home of your assets while you are away.
#4 – Your Neighborhood Has Had a Robbery
If someone in your neighborhood just experienced a home invasion or robbery, this is a sign that you will need to increase your home security. Robberies and other criminal activities can happen in the same area multiple times. Homes surrounding the site of a robbery are just as vulnerable to an attack themselves. Since most people do not expect a robbery or other crime to occur in the same place more than once, some criminals may come back to strike again.
Any kind of change in routine, such as the start of a new school year or a new job, will cause your habits to shift. If you are suddenly going to be away from home for long periods or at different hours than you are used to, you will need to take special precautions. Robberies and home invasions are more likely to occur during the school year when fewer people are home and family schedules are busier. In the rush and excitement of a new job or routine, do not forget to pause now and then to make sure all of your doors are locked and any alarms are set. You may need to invest in security cameras or other devices if you are concerned about the security of your home in your absence. If your change in routine came with a raise of some sort, you may want to consider purchasing home security cameras.
Even if you have taken the suggestions above and done your best to improve your home security, you may still need further assistance. Since every home is different and basic security measures may not be enough to suffice for some households, you may want to consider calling in an locksmith. Most locksmiths can help homeowners determine whether or not certain additions or upgrades will fit their needs and preferences.