You’ve done your research on home security systems, made the purchase through a reputable local company, and had it installed by professionals. Now your home is safe and sound, and you don’t have to worry further about break-ins, right?
Not so fast. While a high-quality security system with local service is certainly one of the most effective ways you can protect your loved ones and property, it doesn’t end there. These common security mistakes will put you and your family at risk, even if you have the best security system in the world.
Leaving valuables and packages in sight or leaving mail piled up. Nothing lets criminals know they have plenty of time to break in and have a look around your home like packages and mail that have obviously been sitting outside your door or crammed into your mailbox for several days. And if you leave yard machinery, bikes, or other valuable items in plain sight, you might as well post a “FREE For the Taking” sign next to them. Have a trusted friend pick up your mail and any packages daily if you’re gone, and always put all lawnmowers, weed eaters, and kids’ toys away in a garage or an outdoor shed.
Planting trees and bushes too close to the house. Having a nice, thick cluster of shrubs right next to your home is a great way to give burglars the perfect cover while they break a window. And who needs a ladder to reach that second story window when there's a sturdy tree to climb? If you do want bushes near your home, keep them trimmed well below windows so there’s no place to hide. And cut down any trees that give robbers access to higher stories.
Failing to turn your security system on / leaving your system off during the day. Having a top-notch system does no one any good if it’s not armed and ready. Don’t forget to turn your system on every time you leave the house, even if it’s just running errands for a couple hours. Better yet, purchase one that can be programmed to automatically turn on whenever you’re gone!
Failing to maintain your security system. Think about it: if you go for years without changing the oil in your car or get regular tune-ups, it’s more than likely you’ll end up stranded on the highway. Failing to maintain your security system is pretty much the same — eventually, it's going to stop working for you, most likely when you need it the most. Show your system some love by scheduling regular maintenance with a reputable technician every six to 12 months.
Not having a good home security system. We can’t stress this enough: you really do get what you pay for when it comes to home security. Those other guys may look like they’re offering a sweet deal, but their low intro rates often shoot up after a period of time. And when help is needed, you’re going to want local monitoring that will respond quickly — not a call center across the ocean.
Posting on social media that you’re away from home. When you upload those photos of your family having fun in the sun, you might as well be telling a burglar they'll have an entire week (or more) to drop by your home and load up on whatever strikes their fancy. We know social media is a great way to keep your family and friends updated on what's going on in your life — just aim to post your family's vacation after you return home, or at the very least, make your accounts private so only friends can see how sunburned you’re getting.
We're happy to help you find the right security system for your home! We provide local service and 24/7 support. Give us a call today!