Protecting The Greatest Asset

Tuesday Dec 03rd, 2019

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Tips on How to Keep a Home Safe

Change the Locks

Changing the locks on all the home’s exterior entry doors is one of the first steps recommended to new homeowners after closing. Re-keying a house is a relatively inexpensive process and one that can bring great peace of mind to new homeowners. Over the years, previous owners may have given keys to various friends, family members, contractors and neighbours, so changing the locks is a safe option that also helps new owners feel more like the place is their own. Don’t forget about doors connecting to attached garages.

Install a Home Security System

One of the best ways to secure a home is to install an alarm. Often security systems are an afterthought. While there are financial costs to installing a home security system or upgrading your existing home alert system, protection of your family and valuables is priceless. Smart home technology has personally improved my home experience as I can keep an eye on my home remotely and even grant access to trusted individuals while I am away.

Be a Good Neighbour

It’s one of the first things every child learns, and it’s called the Golden Rule for a reason: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Getting to know neighbours can help make any neighbourhood a safer place. Is there an elderly couple nearby that sometimes needs help or are there small children that need looking out for? Having a good understanding of this can help give a neighbourhood that close-knit feeling – and alert residents when something could be suspicious. Homeowners going out of town should talk to their neighbours and see whether someone can mow their lawn, shovel their walks, or pick up mail and newspapers. Bring your neighbour back something nice from your trip to show them you appreciate the help.

Make Some Noise

Yes, alarm systems and secure windows are tools that can help keep burglars away, but one key asset to deterring intruders is often overlooked: the garden and yard! Trimming hedges, laying gravel and displaying a sign with the home security company’s name are useful tactics for keeping unwanted outsiders from trying to get in. Aside from adding aesthetic value, gravel in particular, can protect homes against intruders because it makes entry less quiet. We also recommend clients use motion detector lights around the home. These newer lights are very effective even for the homeowner when they return home late in the evening. No fumbling for keys or searching purses in the dark.

Think Fire Prevention

Safety is more than keeping burglars from entering the home, it’s also about yourself and loved ones safe inside! Test smoke alarms often, change filters regularly to avoid buildup of dust and lint, maintain cords and always keep fire extinguishers handy. A good tip is to switch out smoke alarm batteries during daylight saving time and to check fire extinguishers often to make sure they have full charge. On the exterior of the home, homeowners should be sure to keep a clean yard and remove dry leaves and fallen branches as well as keep both the gutters and roof clean to maintain a defensible space.

A home purchase is a major life decision. Homeowners can feel good about protecting this purchase – and themselves – by following these tips.   


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