Free Home Security Tips from Elite Security Services

At Elite Security Services, we take pride in providing state-of-the-art home security and alarm systems. In addition to installing a home security system, however, there are a number of measures you should take to keep your family safe from burglary, fire, and intrusion. Following the tips below will give you peace of mind, knowing you are doing all you can to protect your home and your loved ones.

General Home Safety and Security Tips

• If you are going to be away from your home for a while, deter intruders by making it look like someone is home. Leave on some lights or the TV, and invest in motion detection lights for the area around your home to eliminate hiding places for burglars.
• Lock up. Make sure all doors that lead outside have sturdy 1-inch deadbolt locks.
• Never open the door without checking to see who is there first.
• Thieves know all the usual hiding spots for spare keys, such as under doormats or flower pots. If you must hide a key, find an inconspicuous spot. Better yet, give your spare key to a trusted neighbor.
• To burglar-proof sliding windows or glass doors, put a pipe or bar in the track to make it impossible to open from the outside.
• If you have expensive equipment in your home, don't advertise by placing it in sight of a window.
• It is safest to keep windows and blinds closed, especially at night.
• Keep your valuables, like cash and jewelry, in a safe or a safety deposit box.
• Never leave notes on the door to your home when you are away. This only tell burglars that the house is empty.
• If you are going to be away for more than one day, have a neighbor collect your mail and newspapers - leaving them in your yard is a sign you aren't home, and cancelling delivery may tip off would-be burglars. Also adjust the volume on your phone to the lowest setting - an unanswered phone is a sign that nobody is home.

Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

• Make sure your roofing is fire resistant - whether you are buying, building, or renovating your home.
• Always supervise candles or flames. Before leaving a room, extinguish all flames.
• Make sure cigarette and cigar butts are fully extinguished before throwing them in the trash. The best way to be sure everything is out is to douse butts with water.
• Never leave stove top burners, hot irons, or outdoor grills unattended. To be safe, always double check to make sure they are off when you are finished using them.
• Create a buffer around your home by regularly clearing dry or dead vegetation around the perimeter.
• Store firewood and other flammable materials away from your home.
• Always make sure your trashcan is covered securely.
• Make sure there are functioning smoke alarms in every room of your home. Test them monthly and replace all batteries once a year.
• Never use deadbolts that need to be unlocked with a key from the inside. This can make a quick exit impossible in the event of a fire. Also make sure all windows open readily.
• Work out a fire escape plan for your family. Point out two exits from every room and establish a safe family meeting place. Practice with a fire drill every six months.
• Make it easy for firefighters to find your home by ensuring your street address is clearly visible from the road.

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