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New Homeowners Guide – Home Security Concerns And Upgrades
Security Concerns Are More Concerning Than You Think
Congratulations! You’ve applied for, and have been lucky enough to purchase your first home!
Now what?
Never fear, HOMEMAKERS is here to save you. Or, at least, just point you in the right direction regarding where to focus your attention.
Over the next 6 months, we’ll be releasing one chapter a month of our New Homeowner’s Guide to help you make the best choices on this journey.
Last month’s chapter was all about winter maintenance tasks in and around the home. Read it here for some critical tips.
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Change The Locks
It’s advisable to start fresh with all locks because you don’t know to whom the previous owners may have handed spare keys. Replace all of the outside locks on your new home before you move in, and make sure you have all of the keys. This is one of the most overlooked security concerns you will be dealing with.
Security Concerns are Alarming
Install an alarm system if there isn’t one. Obtain the user guide and emergency phone numbers from the previous owner of any alarm systems that have previously been installed. Change the passwords and security codes after that. After you move in, it would be smart to have the alarm system examined on a regular basis and to occasionally change your passwords.
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Keep an Eye on Your Security Concerns
Verify the operation of the CCTV system if it is already installed in your new home. You might also think about installing a camera security system that is connected to your smartphone, as they have been shown to be effective burglar deterrents. Even when you’re away from home, your home security concerns not only those staying behind.
Bar It Up
Make sure that all sliding windows and doors are fitted properly in their frames and have strong security gates or burglar bars. Additionally, you might want to fit extra anti-lift mechanisms on sliding doors.
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Big Dog On The Block
A big dog is one of the best security measures because it acts as both a deterrent and an alert. The South African Police Service website advises having a fence or wall in place so that the dogs may roam freely around the property and training at least one dog to sleep inside the house.
Out of Sight Security Concerns
Inmates who have been caught breaking into homes have admitted that they “always inspect dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet” first. Therefore, avoid hiding your valuables in plain sight.
Be The Burglar .
Take an honest look into the property’s level of vulnerability. Then, while standing outside, consider how you might enter if you were locked out. The first thing that comes to mind is exactly how a burglar will enter. This is an easy, hands-on way of dealing with your security concerns
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Light it Up
Considering that thieves enjoy being able to sneak around, make sure the entire property is well-lit at night. To give the impression that someone is home, you can also use timers to switch on and off interior lights when you are gone.
Keeping Up With The Joneses
As soon as you can, meet your new neighbours. If there is a neighbourhood watch in your area, consider joining it. This will help you integrate into your new neighbourhood and make friends who will watch out for you and your house just as you do for them.
Don’t Be An Enabler
Never leave ladders or tools outside in the garden as these can encourage opportunistic burglars to break into your house. Don’t secret a spare key behind a doormat, a rock, or a plant pot either. If you must grant access to friends or relatives while you are away from home, ask dependable neighbours to take care of them.
Finally, make sure that your security provider is a registered member of SAIDSA. This way you have the assurance that their equipment and training are up to standard.
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