As we all know, summer is right around the corner. The sun is out longer, the days are warmer, and everyone seems to be in a better mood. With that comes barbecues, swimming pools, and plenty of entertaining. But before you start inviting people over for cookouts and pool parties, it’s essential to make sure your house is safe for summer. Here are five ways to do just that:
1. Install a security system
A home watch professional can do everything except trip an electronic alarm. That’s what burglars do! There is no substitute for an excellent alarm system installed correctly in your Cape Cod home. An essential piece of these systems is a small notification at the front door and other entrances stating that an alarm system is in place. This notification alone may serve as a sufficient deterrent to anyone thinking of breaking in. External cameras are essential as well. Such cameras have proven invaluable tools for police investigations of property crimes, even in neighbors’ homes.
2. Get new locks for all your doors and windows
You don’t have to spend money on an expensive remote-activated keypad or window alarms. A robust lock and a deadbolt may be all that is necessary to secure a primary route of the entrance. Window locks are usually sufficient to deter a home intruder. If your basement or crawl space can be accessed outside the home, please consider installing a reliable lock on the entry points.
3. Keep valuables out of sight
This is a tip that Cape Cod homeowners often forget. Home intruders look inside before they enter. If they see money or valuable items close to the window in plain sight, they will be more likely to risk breaking in. A simple deterrent is to ensure that no money, jewelry, watches, or other easily grabbed items are visible from the windows. Keep these items in drawers, preferably locked. Remember that home intruders aim to enter and leave as quickly as possible. Anything that slows them down decreases their chances of stealing your property.
4. Clean up your yard to create a more welcoming environment
Home intruders are generally cowards. They tend not to want to confront homeowners inside. Many know that an intruder is more likely to be mortally wounded by a homeowner than they are to serve time in jail for the break-in. A clean and tidy yard suggests to would-be home intruders that someone is still in the house. A simple fix is to hire a landscaper to tidy up your property regularly. A home watch professional can help clean and tidy the lawn during biweekly visits.
5. Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order
Fires happen, particularly during the dry season on the Cape. Even if your home is relatively fire-safe, there is a measurable risk of damage from a brush fire or a neighbor’s fire. Fire departments recommend testing your smoke detectors at least twice per year. Your home watch professional can do this at every visit if you like. We look carefully for possible fire hazards at every visit and minimize them before they turn into substantial risks.
You can’t be at your home on the Cape all the time, but with our protection, you’ll feel like you are. We want to help you take that much-needed vacation and not worry about your house while you’re gone. We are your eyes and ears while you’re off-Cape. Plus, we have a variety of packages to choose from so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. And if something does happen while you’re away, we ensure that help arrives as soon as possible. Don’t wait any longer; call Rob today and let us help protect your home! 339-221-4702 or rob@libertysiqueira.com