How to be Safe When You’re at Home

While it is common to discuss how to protect your house and property when you’re gone, it is every bit as important to know how to be safe when you’re at home. In fact, it may be an even bigger concern; as you can replace stolen items, but you and your family are irreplaceable. So, implementing a few of these tips on how to be safe when you’re at home can protect your family’s most valuable possessions—each other.

Know Your Neighbors

There is a difference between being a nosey neighbor and knowing what is going on around you. Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to stay safe, as you are all able to look out for one another. This is why Neighborhood Watch groups are so effective. In fact, you might want to consider starting one of these in your own neighborhood. Police officers will even attend meetings to teach you how to be safe when you’re at home, as well as how to protect your property when you’re gone.

Make sure that your neighbors have your phone number and that they know to call you if they notice anything suspicious.

Be Discreet

Being discreet means a couple of things when it comes to learning how to be safe when you’re at home. One way to do so is to watch what you throw into the trash. Any financial information—including those pre-approved credit applications—should be shredded rather than just tossed into the garbage can. Anything that has personal information should not just go to the curb, as it can be intercepted by people who do not have good intentions.

Another way to be discreet is to change up your routine. If you always go for a walk at a certain time of the day, for example, a burglar could easily recognize that routine and break in when he knows you will be gone for a set period of time. In addition, don’t talk loudly about personal business with your neighbors or while using the phone outside. It’s a great idea to let your neighbors know if you’ll be out of town, but you don’t want to announce it to anyone who happens to be within earshot.

Locks and Keys

Locks and keys are one of the best ways we have of protecting our property, and we often forget their importance when it comes to how to be safe when you’re at home. Locking the door when you’re inside the house will deter potential criminals from inviting themselves in to do you harm. Making sure that your locks are solid and in good repair is also important in making sure you remain safe.

Keeping keys out of the wrong hands is also important when it comes to being safe at home. Avoid handing out copies of your keys to friends. Even if they are trustworthy, you can not ensure that your keys won’t wind up somewhere you don’t want. You should also avoid hiding a spare key in any of the most obvious places: under the mat, above the door, in a potted plant, in a fake rock, etc. Burglars know all of these places, and it will just be that much easier for them walk right into your home. Finally, make sure you can easily detach your house key from your car keys so you don’t have to hand it over to a valet or parking attendant who could make copies.

There’s no sense in becoming overly worried about your safety at all times. On the other hand, it’s just as ridiculous not to utilize some common sense about how to be safe when you’re at home. Simple tips, like not inviting strangers into the house and keeping valuable items out of view of the windows, are quick and easy things you can do to dissuade criminals from taking too much interest in you and your property.

Contact a Local Security Company

While abiding by these tips will help to keep you safe while at home, a local security company can give you more tips on staying safe. They can also provide information about home security systems and the benefits one will provide to your home and family.