Keeping your home safe from Burglary

Your home is an investment therefore it is essential to keep it safe from all bad elements. Making your home and family secure from criminal intrusion should be on the top of any family’s priority list. Unlike in the US, where most burglaries occur during daytime where most people are away from their home, in the Philippines crimes are at a high during night time when everyone is asleep. Since most household in the Philippines have house helpers, the magnanakaw (burglar) usually attacks at night.

Although you do not want to think of your family being victimized by such a crime, but it’s always good to prepare your household and have a plan. Of course, your home security situation is different from any other home but some practical tips still apply.

Establish good security habits. A security routine should be implemented among family members.

Make sure to lock all your doors and windows before you go to sleep or whenever you leave home.

Invest on quality deadbolts – the quality of these things should not be ignored. Look for the one with high security features.

Use curtains or draperies. They do not only add a touch of elegance and beauty to your home but it also serves as a good security and safeguarding your privacy. I always hear my husband say that we are like an aquarium without the draperies. This prevents would be burglars to peep into your home and analysing your family’s every move.

Never leave or hide your house keys in obvious places like under the doormats or under the plant pots.

Use chain bolt or peepholes especially if you’re living in a condominium or in a house with no gates. This way you would know who is behind the door. Instruct members of the household to look and know the visitors before letting them in. Most criminals would try this trick especially if they know that your house is never empty at any point in time.

Padlocks for pedestrian and garage gates are great for securing these common entry points. Make sure to invest on padlocks that are resistant to any weather.

When you need to go out at night make sure you keep your home well lit. This will make your home look occupied. For outdoors, you can opt to buy a light bulb with automatic light sensor. It has an adjustable sensor that will automatically turn your light on at dusk and off during daylight which saves you electricity while securing your home.

Install motion detectors in areas of your home where there is less foot traffic. This will signal if someone is not supposed to be there and that if someone is really lurking around will get distracted and hopefully sets him off.

When you’re away on a vacation, even if it’s just on a weekend it entails a lot more precaution.

• Lower the sound of your telephone ringers when you’re away, constant telephone ringing can tip off possible burglars. If possible, you can choose to have your calls forwarded while you’re away.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to look out for your house. If possible, ask them to pick up your bills/mails while you are away. You do not want them piling up or people may notice your absence.
• Consider getting a dog. They are not called man’s best friend for nothing, they are not only good companions but they can be good protector of your home. A mere bark of your pet dog is already a deterrent for possible intruders. Just make sure to have someone feed them while you’re away.

Home Security should be a family responsibility. Include your children in home security discussions such as:

• Do not talk to strangers personally or over the phone.
• Never let any stranger inside the home even if they pose to be a relative or a friend.
• Do not discuss family schedule with anybody.
• Never advertise your belongings.
• Never let anyone know when you are not at home.
• Choose to install security system – it’s a good investment for your family’s security.

Update your home and property insurance. A good homeowners insurance can cover most of the family valuables you have collected over the years. You may have inherited family heirlooms, collected valuable artifacts or simply purchased precious new things, whatever it is you want to make sure that you get something to at least replace these things if anything happens.

Ultimately, your family’s security comes first. Making sure that you have a security plan in place will definitely give you a good night’s sleep.