Did you know that adding security features to your home not only gives you peace of mind, but can help lower your homeowners (and renters) insurance rates? Spending the money now to make your property and possessions more secure can save you tons of money in the long run. On average, you’ll see a 5% savings from each item you install.
Start with the Basics
The first things to consider are your doors and windows. You’ll want to install secure-locking , up to date windows and heavy exterior doors. No only will this deter a burglar, but it will also weatherize your home a bit, which could bring you even more savings.
Next, you will want to think locks. Cheap locking door knobs are a cinch to pick open, so choose something more expensive with advanced inner locking mechanisms and theft-proof features. Don’t stop there. Dead-bolts are an essential part of you home security plan. They make the doors far more secure, are difficult to break through and will make you feel better about how secure your home is.
Beyond the Basics
You want to secure your home and possessions, but you also need to secure the perimeter of your property, which will only increase your confidence that you are safe and will bring you even more savings. If you want privacy and security, you should consider installing a privacy fence. They are higher than chain link fences, affording you far more security. You could also consider a secure locking steel gate and even an intercom system to announce visitors. Of course, this all depends on your budget and the level of security you feel you really need.
Motion detectors are a great thing to have as well. While some do go off with the slightest motion, they still act as a deterrent for someone with ill intentions who has entered onto your property. These days, however, you can buy motion detector lights that only react to human motion based on certain criteria.
In addition to that, a security camera is both a wise idea and an added deterrent.
Safety Beyond Burglary and Theft
Aside from the risk of theft, you need to think about other possible disasters. Equip your home with several excellent smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher or 2 (depending on the size of your home; keep these up-to-date, as they do expire), have a fire escape plan and ready tools (such as a rope ladder and bat) to break out of the house should you need to. If you feel you live in an area of high fire risk, don;t spare the expense of a sprinkler system and a top-of-the-line water hose to wet down the outside of your house if a threat becomes known. If you use gas in your home for heating or cooking at whatnot, you need to consider installing a carbon monoxide detector and keeping a combustible gas detector on hand. Do your research though. You will want one that uses pellistor beads and, depending on the time of gas used, an infrared detector. Not all combustible gas detectors are created equally, so do your homework!
One Big Consideration with a Ton of Benefits
Install a security system/burglar alarm. Your insurance company will give you a price break and you’ll thank yourself later. Most good security systems these days are interactive. Any problem will result in a call from the company to check on your welfare and the immediate dispatch of help. The alarm will deter most burglars and for other situations, such as fires and medical emergencies, you system can be wired so that the security company knows right away or you can get one that has one button push to summon help. This is a very smart idea that saves you money and just might save your life. It all sounds like a lot to do and a lot of expense, however, with all you will save on insurance an losses, it’s well worth every penny.
If security concerns you, you might want to get a dog as well. Your insurance company probably won’t give you a break for that, but your dog will provide added security and defense as well as fuzzy friendship.
