Thursday, August 06, 2015

It has been reported that August offers the highest probability for home burglaries. In that light, we went exploring the many ways you can enhance your security - this time focusing on exterior projects you might want to tackle or contract this summer.

Modernsurvivalblog.com says one of the most important security features is making your home blend in. They advise you look at the surrounding homes. Do you stand out from the rest?

If your home has the fanciest or most manicured lawn in the neighborhood, it tells a burglar that you might have more resources and potentially more valuables in your home than the others on your street.

Avoid exterior doors which have glass near or within reach of the doorknob. This creates an easy “smash and twist” opportunity to get in your home. And don’t make it easy for a burglar to look through a window and see inside. It’s especially easy to see into a home at night when the lights are on.

Another security-related company, actionlockandsafe.com of Tampa, Fla., adds these helpful tips for exterior security:

• Make sure garage, shed and property gates and fully secured after every use. Purchase more secure locks if necessary.
• If you have a door connecting the garage to the house it should be solid wood or metal and secured with a strong lock and deadbolt.
• Your garage door should be fitted with a strong security lock which is preferably secured to the floor.
• If you own ladders make you these are all secured or locked away. Don't allow drain pipes to be used to gain access to upper floors.
• Shrubs, trees and bushes should all be pruned so the burglar cannot hide.
• Install exterior security floodlighting that works with a motion sensor.
• Be sure any outdoor lighting is switched on in the evening.
• Imagine you have locked yourself out - how easy could you break in? Fix any weaknesses that can allow an easy entry for the burglar.
• Give extra keys to a neighbor you can trust and never hide them under the front doormat or in a flower pot.

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