Keeping Your Home Safe During Holidays and Vacations

When you're on vacation, you want to know your home is safe. Here are some quick tips to make sure it is.

Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Did you know that a burglary happens almost every 16 seconds in the United States? This is an alarming fact that can cause you to feel less safe and secure, especially when traveling away from home to visit friends and family during the holidays. You can ensure the safety of your home while you're away by doing some simple things around your home and by being more careful. Another option is to install a security system, which is well worth the cost for the peace of mind it gives you and your family.

Review the outside perimeter of your home. Most burglaries occur when the owners aren't home. Burglars know that many people are away from home during the holidays, so they will often look for tell-tale signs. Find out what clues your home gives off that could make it look tempting to a burglar. Make sure that the outside of your home is well lit at night. This should include some landscape lights around the home. Install a motion sensor light at your front door and at your garage area.

If you have a fenced yard make certain that the gates are closed and properly latched. You may even want to consider putting a small padlock on the inside of the gate. This will keep intruders out of your backyard area. Install a motion sensor light at the back door or a floodlight that will illuminate a large part of the yard.

Now check the inside of the home. Make sure that all the windows are properly latched on the inside. When you aren't at home be sure to close all windows so that they aren't tempting to burglars. Screened windows are the easiest way for burglars to enter the home. Install a security system that checks windows as well as doors. Never leave ladders lying around outside the house.

Many burglaries take place while residents are on vacation. To keep your home from looking like it's vacant always have your newspapers and mail held or get someone to bring it in for you. Mow your lawn before you leave for your trip and make sure that if you'll be gone awhile you make arrangements for your lawn to be mowed again. An unkempt home is an indication that someone may not be home.

Choose a security system that meets your requirements. You can get many different features on systems. Look for hybrid systems that provide the dependability of a wired system combined with the benefits of a wireless system. Great new software allows you to add cameras so you can view specific areas of the home quickly and easily. Choose a security system that has 24/7 monitoring. This is an important feature that keeps each family member feeling safe and secure. Monitoring is done through the security company.

Another great feature to choose for your security system is the ability to set and disarm your alarm remotely. The latest gadget for this purpose is a keychain fob that provides a simple one-touch solution making it easier than ever to set your alarm. They are also easy for younger family members to work. Always have the system professionally installed to ensure that it is tested and functioning properly.

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Home Security and Social Media

A survey was recently released that suggested the majority of burglars are now using social media web sites, such as Facebook & Twitter to help target potential victims.

As everyone leaps into the digital world, so have criminals. They are really taking advantage of social media and the people's open communication on these sites. People are giving burglars way too much information on Facebook and Twitter and that gives them the opportunity to break in.

Of the convicted burglars questioned, over 75% said that social media and sites like Google street view, which played a huge role in them planning their entrance and escape routes were used to help them with their break in. They said that they used Facebook and Twitter - where users 'check in' to locations - as it was a useful source of information, providing you with where someone was and when they wouldn't be at home.

Social media experts say that people's status updates can be seen by burglars and that it's really important not to post things like "Just arrived at the airport, can't wait to get on holiday for two weeks". This post gives a burglar all the information they need and to them it's almost an open invitation.

How can we prevent this?

The simple solution would be to secure your social media networks and make sure that all privacy settings on your social media accounts are enabled. This will limit the chances of you being targeted but the problem with this is that it doesn't rule it out completely. If you want to rule out break ins and protect your home, the best option, in many people's opinion is to install a visual deterrent. A visual deterrent, like security grilles or window grilles, will put burglars off because of their visual appearance and because of the difficulty a burglar will face in trying to break through them. If a burglar can see security grilles at a home, they will probably avoid it and target somewhere that doesn't.

Unfortunately, with crime rates rising, we have to think like a burglar sometimes and if your home is more secure than others, it's much less likely to be targeted. Many people are opting to have more locks and more secure locks on their main entrance doors, as a burglar will see this as a massive inconvenience.

Security experts have also recommended getting a safe to store all your valuable documents, especially your passport as many criminals are cloning these kinds of things and you could be at risk of identity fraud.

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Help keep your family and home safe by having a security system installed by Safe Side Security, Inc. For the past 26 years, we have provided design, installation, monitoring, servicing and inspections of security and fire alarm systems. We are the "local" company serving Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Solano Counties and the surrounding areas. Our success is a result of the thousands of satisfied customers who use our services daily, and are pleased with the results. Service is a high priority, with technicians on call 24 hours a day.

1-800-794-7575

Home Security At Holiday Time

Before departing for your well earned holiday be wise and review your home security. The latest figures from the FBI show a burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the USA. The majority of these break ins take place when the householder is away from the home. A great number of these burglaries could be prevented by beefing up your home security and installing a home security system.

The installation of a home security alarm, and home security surveillance cameras is one of the most common and effective ways to improve the security of your home instantly.

Many of these home security products also have the option of home security monitoring. But the installation of these devices does not guarantee you immunity, other steps and precautions need to taken to improve you overall security.

Some of the less expensive options available include installing motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home.

As well as the external security there is a great deal that can be done inside the home to improve security. Check all locks on doors and windows replace any defective locks.
Patio sliding doors offer the opportunist thief just what they are looking for easy access, the reason is usually poor maintenance or security (broken lock) don't get caught out this way thinking it will never happen, it does and it will.

Take these steps to make your sliding door even more secure consider installing a blocking device such as a "Charlie bar" or some other type of track blocker to prevent the door from sliding open.
At the very least you should block the track with a steel rod or wooden dowel to prevent any movement.

Where possible use a home safe to store any valuables include such items as keys to outbuildings, garages, other vehicles and any other device that requires a key.
You should also hide any personal documents and identity information in your home safe as well.
If you don't have a home safe consider using a post office vault especially if you live in a high crime area.

Giving the impression someone is at home is a great way to dissuade a burglar and is key to improving home security. This can be achieved by using timers in various rooms to switch lights an appliances on and off at differing times of the day. Be smart though and apply this tactic to more than one room in your house.

Other security measures include stopping your mail and paper deliveries. If you have two vehicles leave one parked on your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway whilst you are away.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or relative and ask them to check your home periodically. Switch off any answering machine don't be tempted to leave a message saying you are on vacation.

Ensure all outbuildings are secure, making sure any tools in your garage that could be used to gain access are under lock and key.
No matter what steps and security measures you take your home will never be 100% secure.
But the harder you make it for a burglar to gain entry the stronger your home security will be.

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Keep Your Family's Home Security High This Holiday Season

With Christmas just around the corner, families all over America are gearing up to gather together for a few days of fun celebrations. As always, the focus this holiday season should be on spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the important things in life, and just relaxing. Unfortunately though, accidents within the home occur at a much higher rate during the holiday season, most likely because everyone is in such deep thought about important things that they forget about basic home security precautions. Accidents within the home can really put a damper on your holiday celebrations, so here are a few steps you can take to make sure nothing goes wrong at home this year.

5. Install a home security system to make sure no one breaks into your house. Thieves are very aware that most Americans have valuable presents sitting under Christmas tress in their living rooms during the holiday season. So many criminals will try to break into houses right before Christmas so they can steal expensive presents that are sitting right under the tree in your living room. It´s also a good idea to keep your Christmas tree out of plain sight so that it can´t be seen from people who simply pass by your house.

4. If you have children in your house, make sure they don't try to cook anything in your kitchen without supervision. Children have a tendency to spill things or burn themselves, which is why it's so important to make sure an adult is there to prevent the children from accidentally hurting themselves.

3. Be extra careful when you light a fire. Many families love to sit around a fireplace during the holiday season, and while fires can really improve everyone´s moods, they are also very dangerous. Make sure you open the flu on your fireplace, that no one sits to close to the fire, and that you have an extinguisher nearby in case something happens. Space heaters are also quite dangerous and are prone to start home fires. So make sure you take the proper home security measures to take care of a fire in case one breaks out. It´s vital to be sure that you have a smoke detector that works, but if you have a home alarm system, they often include high-quality smoke detectors as well.

2. Keep a mat near the doors inside your house to make sure that snow or rain don't get tracked inside your house. If people bring snow or rain into your house and it creates puddles, those can create big hazards that can cause people to slip and fall. Falls within the home can result in serious injuries, and the best way to prevent them is just to ensure that people do not slip and fall in the first place.

1. Make sure you don´t leave ladders lying around outside of your house. People often take ladders out to put Christmas lights up on top of their house, but if you forget to bring those ladders back inside, they can create serious home security risks. A child may inadvertently climb up onto your roof and then be in danger, or a thief may use the ladder to break into an upper level of your house. Put those ladders away to keep yourself safe.


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A Home Security System Protects Your Belongings During the Holidays

Every year on New Year's Eve people think about making a resolution for the coming year. Here's an idea for a resolution that should not wait for a new year to arrive. During the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day the percentage of home break-ins increases dramatically across the United States. As is typical in most large cities home security system installation is also on the rise.

Intruders often see the Holidays as the perfect time to break in, especially if they see a huge tree with lots of gifts surrounding it in the front window of a home that appears to be unattended. Burglars steal keepsakes, televisions, electronics, gifts, cash, credit cards, and any other valuable items they can get their hands on. This can totally ruin the Holiday season for the victims. This tragedy can be prevented by installing and using a home security system.

Home security systems are practical and economical when it comes to protecting your valuables. Selecting an alarm monitoring company that is right for your needs is important. There is a multitude of alarm monitoring companies in the US, so be sure to do your research before signing on. Having a locally owned and operated company protecting your home can give you peace of mind because they will be there promptly in the event of an emergency.

By installing and using a home security system, you'll have peace of mind that your loved ones are protected. Not only can you protect your home and loved ones against intruders, but most monitoring systems also include fire in their service, as well. All too often families are lost to fire and smoke inhalation in house fires, but with the proper monitoring system, this can be prevented.

There are a few actions you can take to make your home and Holiday season a lot more secure against possible burglaries. For one thing, don't advertise your tree and gifts by placing them in a window in the front of your home. Choose a more discreet location in your home. If you plan to travel during the holiday season, make sure your trusted neighbors know you are going to be away. Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Post your address only on your mailbox as posting you name could prove to be unwanted advertising for intruders. Don't leave messages on your telephone answering devices that advertise your absence. Don't leave items for garbage pickup that advertise expensive gifts. And, if you don't have one already, invest in a security system for your home.

By choosing a local alarm monitoring company you can notify them when you are going to be away. In the event of a break-in, by notifying the monitoring company in advance of your absence, they can alert authorities immediately to get help on the way. Choosing the best home security system for your home is important. Choosing the best alarm monitoring company is equally important. But, you have to actually commit yourself to activating the system regularly for the system to serve its purpose.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2532154

Help keep your family and home safe by having a security system installed by Safe Side Security, Inc. For the past 26 years, we have provided design, installation, monitoring, servicing and inspections of security and fire alarm systems. We are the "local" company serving Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Solano Counties and the surrounding areas. Our success is a result of the thousands of satisfied customers who use our services daily, and are pleased with the results. Service is a high priority, with technicians on call 24 hours a day.

1-800-794-7575

Home Security During Holidays

The holidays are prime time for burglary. Follow these tips to keep your home safe when you're out of town

Using a Fire Extinguisher

P.A.S.S. - a simple method for effectively using a fire extinguisher.

The Importance Of a Home Security System

Protecting property and people who live in them is the main priority of homeowners. Cases of burglary and theft are increasing each day. The only solution to deal with the tricks burglars use is installing home security system. You should have some information in mind when shopping for safety devices for your property.

Safety devices vary with price and model. There are many devices in the market that differ with technology. Many devices come in different designs and installation. The common devices used are alarms and cameras. You can install many devices with the help of new technology. Some of them help you detect fire in your house.

Devices are placed in two categories for people to choose. You can select devices that come in wireless or wired designs. In the past people used hand wired devices because they were trustworthy. With new designs and improvement on these devices people depend more on wireless tools. They are safe to use and reliable.

These devices are chosen depending on the amount of cash you are willing to spend. They vary in prices and the status of your house will determine the amount to be charged. Wireless tools are cost effective when installing them. Unlike wired tools they do not need to have cables in the walls for them to work. Wired tools become more costly when the house is finished. This is because the walls have to be put down for the cables to be fitted.

You are required to choose various places for the devices to be installed. The best way to reduce costs for installation is by choosing the areas to enforce security. Alarms can be installed on back doors or windows. These areas are common entries for intruders. If you want your house to be secured in all areas you will need to place surveillance cameras. The choices you make will depend with the budget you have.

In order to get quality services you will need to do some research on different companies. Choose companies that are popular with installation services. This factor will enable you to meet your expectations. Competent companies will ensure that they provide full coverage for installation services. Most of them will use the new technology to assist you in keeping your property safe.

The devices provide you with information of the people on your property. You are able to capture thieves easily. You can save time when using cameras. They help you know if intruders are in the compound. The presence of surveillance cameras and alarms will keep any intruder or burglar from your house. These are some of the advantages of safety devices.

The idea of travelling and leaving your house without protection can cause a lot of headache. You can enjoy your vacation without worrying about thieves in your property. Kids can be protected as they play within the compound by using these devices. The other benefit of a home security system is that they are simple to use. They are cheap, easy to maintain and monitor.

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The Importance of a Home Security System

Who is watching your home while you are away? It may be more than your neighbour...

Home invasions and burglaries are on the rise. Although the prospect is frightening, there are a number of measures that a homeowner can take to protect their residence. The peace of mind that a home alarm system gives you cannot be measured in dollars.

While most of your possessions may be easily replaced, many of your special mementos and valuables may be irreplaceable. Although your home insurance will likely cover most of your losses, they cannot take away the feeling of being violated and the fear that your home will be targeted again. While theft may be easier to understand and reconcile, vandalism is a senseless act that cuts deep and leaves lasting scars. Often one of the first things that homeowners do after a break-in is to install a home alarm system. They could have saved themselves so much time and aggravation, had they inquired about a home alarm system sooner. Installation of a home alarm system is an investment that you hope will never have to pay off.

For a low monthly fee, a home alarm system can provide added protection to you and your family. It will alert the authorities in your absence, providing protection by monitoring temperature changes, detect gas leaks and floods. Functioning smoke alarms can alert the fire department to the presence of smoke before a fire breaks out.

There are a number of additional measures that a homeowner can take to minimize their risks. Installing lights on motions sensors outdoors and using randomly set timers gives the impression that someone is home. It is a good idea to install extra lighting in the shadows and vulnerable areas of your home. It is also recommended to trim back bushes and trees that may enable someone to lurk undetected in the shadows. Window grills designed to impede a burglars' access through a basement window, can be purchased and easily installed, although it is important to ensure that you still have exits in the event of an emergency. Empty your mailbox regularly and do not allow an accumulation of flyers on your doorstep. Why make it easy by announcing that no one is at home? To further give your home a lived-in look, enlist a friend or neighbour to keep your lawn mowed or your driveway cleared of the snow while you are away. Stickers and placards can be affixed to doors and windows, announcing that you have the protection of a home alarm system. Burglary is frequently a crime of convenience and if your home is not identified as an easy target, hopefully they will decide that it is not worth the effort.

Ensure that you remember to lock all the doors of your home, especially the one from the outside that accesses your garage. Once a burglar gains access to the interior of your garage, they can work unnoticed and undisturbed. Conveniently, the tools they need are often right there. They may even be able to open the garage door, backing their vehicle inside to remove items from your home in privacy.

Security should be everyone's business. Make it your business too.

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