When we think about home safety, we typically think of the “big things” – having a security system installed, for instance. And while making significant improvements to your home can definitely up your safety game, there are also quick and easy ways to make your family and home safer incrementally. Here are six quick tips – things you can do today for little to no money – to dissuade the criminals from choosing your home as a target.
- Activate your Security System: We mentioned installing a security system as a “big thing”. But once you have it, activating the security system every time you leave is a “small thing” you can do to keep your home secure. While this may seem a strange thing to point out, most people leave their security system unarmed until the evening. If a criminal sees you leaving your home, he only needs 10 minutes on average to steal your valuables. Get in the habit of arming your system whenever you will not be home.
- Bring in Your Mail: Once upon a time, we eagerly awaited the mail delivery each day – but the age of Amazon, FedEx, and email gift cards has largely relegated mail delivery to bills and unwanted sales circulars. Anyone can understand an unwillingness to go out and clear out the mailbox every day – but a mailbox full of junk mail indicates a home without an owner, so make sure you clear it out often.
- Secure Your Sliders: Florida homes often have sliding screen doors that lead to patios or lanais – and sometimes, we just leave them open during the day. Sliding glass doors are often locked, but you can double secure both of these doors with a wooden dowel (like a broomstick.) Lay the stick at the bottom of the doors in the track, and no one will be able to access your home easily. Leave them in at night for an added level of security, making your home safer.
- Close Your Blinds: This is especially important if you live on a residential street with a lot of neighbors. Thieves can easily see right into your illuminated home when blinds (or curtains) are open at night. They will be able to see all the doors and determine where your expensive electronics are located. Casing your home before a robbery is common – don’t make it easy for them! If they don’t have the “lay of the land” and don’t know what they will encounter once inside, they will likely try a different home.
- Put Up Warning Signs: Adorn your yard with signs declaring your alarm system (or vicious dog) is ready to catch any intruders, and they will probably move to a different residence. Of course, you don’t even have to own an alarm system or carnivorous canine – you just have to make them think you do. No one wants to tangle with that.
- Close your Garage Door: Many people leave their garage doors open during the day, but this habit gives a criminal access to your home in too many ways. Whether he steals your power tools or gains access to your home through the interior door, an open garage gives him cover to do what he needs to do. Keep the garage door shut – and while you are at it, keep all doors and windows locked – even when you are home.
Once you’ve done all you can to protect your home, a home insurance policy is your best protection against damage and theft. Call today for more information on how to make your home safer through insurance protection – and don’t forget to tell your insurance provider everything you’ve added to your home to make it more secure. It may just earn you a discount.
Anderson & Associates Insurance Group is a professional home and business insurance provider based in Manatee County, Florida.
