The following offers a range of tips to help make your home a bit more secure. You can implement them all or pick and choose what works best for your home and your family’s needs. However, before getting into the list of tips here is a look at security systems and why you should seriously think about installing one.

4 Home Security Tips to Keep your Family Home Safe

1.) Invest in Quality Security Systems

Many people are under the impression that a home security system has to be this complex and expensive thing, but that is not true. Today’s systems are quite customizable. You can pick and choose elements to meet your needs and budget. In addition, wireless options make it simple to install them yourself and get a security system that works for you. Try these Home Security Tips from DIY Network.

2.) Consider a Good Security Camera & Motion Detector

While you may not be able to afford a complete system, you should at least consider some elements. Most systems allow you to add on elements in the future, so start small. For example, get a security camera or a motion detector. Later, you can add window and door sensors, glass break sensors and more cameras and detectors.

Building your own security system keeps you in the driver’s seat. It allows you to have complete control over the security and the cost. So, it is highly recommended to at least consider a security system for your home.

3.) To Stay Safe – Change your Locks Periodically

If you have moved into a new home, change the locks. While you may have been giving the keys, you have no clue how many copies were made. The last thing you need is an old owner or someone associated with the former owner coming into your home unannounced. If you rent, just ask your landlord if it is okay. They are usually fine with it as long as you send them a copy of the keys.

Make sure you have adequate outdoor lighting. A well-lit area is not a welcome spot for a would-be criminal. They like to work under cover of darkness where nobody can see them. Ensuring you have security lights and other lighting outside your home can be a huge deterrent.

Hide any wiring outside your home. Criminals cut wires to disable phones, internet, and wired security systems. Keep this from happening by making sure all wires are hidden and secured where they cannot be easily accessed.

Don’t leave spare keys in typical spots for good home security. If you need to leave a key outside your home, make sure you do so in an unobvious way, or better yet, leave it with a trusted neighbor. Leaving a key under the mat, in the mailbox or on top of an outside light are all spots a thief will check. Don’t give them easy access to your home.

Install bars to stop sliding doors from being easily opened. Also, do this with windows. Bulk up your basic security with deadbolt locks, too. Doing these small things adds an extra layer of security that will stop a criminal.

4.) Consider Using Timers to Trick Intruders & to Keep Home Safety

Use timers on lights and other electronics. In general, most criminals are not interested in a confrontation. They want to enter a home when nobody is there. Through using timers, you can give the appearance someone is home. You can have lights turn on and off or even your television or radio. Hearing noise and seeing what is perceived to be movement can be a great deterrent.

It can be tough to keep your home safe, but you can do it. There are many things you can do, from installing a security system to putting up more outdoor lighting. You can take control and live in a safe home where you do not have to fear about someone breaking in. By taking these simple steps, you can make your home a burglar’s worst nightmare and give you and your family a wholesome peace of mind that you are safe with these home security tips.

For more home safety tips take a look at this post to change the locks on your home!

The Best Tips for Choosing the Right Home Security System

Options are a great thing, but it’s also making home security more convoluted. The solution – a home security package. Companies are offering packages that include equipment to cover the entire home in a single system. For many homeowners, these package deals offer upsides beyond improved security.

Ensure your Home Security System has Easy Setup

Home security packages are most appealing to people who are putting a system together from scratch. It’s essentially the one-and-done option. Instead of having to make a half a dozen or more decisions you only have to make one.

If you’re upgrading your home security a package deal could still make sense. For instance, homeowners that are making the switch from a wired wall alarm to a wireless Wi-Fi system could use a package. There are also specialized systems, such as packages of smart door locks. You can keep what you have in place while still using the smart home security package as another layer of protection.

Choose a Home Security Company that Features Local Support

Customer support is a critical component of a monitored home security system. A growing trend is double monitored equipment that alerts the homeowner and a local monitoring station if an alarm goes off. Property owners that are looking for home security in Phoenix, San Diego and other large metros don’t mind using regional companies over national brands if it means getting local service.

Research the Compatibility and Monitoring Options

Perhaps the most important benefit of a home security package is its compatibility. All it takes is one missing link or miscommunication for a home security system to be compromised. With a package that’s no longer a concern.

The equipment is designed to sync together and to respond when an action occurs. Everything works cohesively for seamless protection. For example, a Wi-Fi connected door lock can be programmed to open if an alarm goes off so it’s easier for people to get out. Data sharing is another big bonus. Today’s home security cameras and alarms are connected smart devices. The more information you can gather from your home security system the better you can protect your home. When all of the equipment is designed to work together gathering data is much easier. Angie’s List gives great tips for choosing the right security company for your home.

A home security system won’t do you much good if it isn’t monitored and managed. The batteries have to be checked, software has to be updated and data should be reviewed. If you have equipment from multiple brands with various processes management can become a headache.

Home security packages are designed around a hub system. That hub is usually your smart phone where everything can be managed via an app. Equipment will tell you if the power supply is low or repair is needed. You can also review surveillance footage, set up schedules and make adjustments with a few clicks.

The Better Business Bureau suggests contacting 3 security options when making your decision.

Your Home Security System Should Offer Invested Value

Buying a package deal is typically more cost effective in the long run. Usually, the cost savings is in the form of reduced equipment expenses or the inclusion of additional services. While most home security packages do offer some sort of perk or discount, make sure everything adds up before you make a selection.

Today’s buyers are looking for smart homes with comprehensive security systems. And safety is cited as one of the top reasons people invest in smart home devices. A home security package is a selling point that can make your home more desirable and add to its value.

How I Upgraded our Home Security with a Schlage® Lock

Home security in your family home has to be one of the most important elements of owning a home. Keeping your family safe from intruders is essential as well as not worrying about losing your keys. If you’ve been locked out of your home or have made duplicate keys for your teenage kids, etc… you know the frustration of accidently losing them! I’m excited to pair with Schlage® to highlight their Keyless Touchscreen Locks that can help keep your home safe while still looking beautiful with the architecture of your home. Take a look at how I replaced our old deadbolt lock on our exterior door with a Schlage® Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt with Camelot trim.

Schlage® Locks are a great option for exterior front and patio doors:

At my 1987 home, it seemed that the previous owner had a different set of locks and keys for every exterior door. We considered replacing each lock individually but we didn’t want to have 3 sets of keys. Also, our teenage sons always seemed to lose the house keys! Our answer was to use a lock box (you know like the kind that Realtors use?) on the porch door and all they’d have to do is remember the combination to lock box. For years this worked until the deadbolt lock started not turning correctly and a locksmith took out the deadbolt and replaced it with just a plate – not very secure, right? It was time to get better home security! That’s why I was excited to pair with Schlage® and install their Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt lock.

The not-so-great solution before… lock box with key inside, and NO DEADBOLT (Thank goodness this is a back door!)

Schlage® has Quality Locks in over 40 million homes:

Schlage® offers hardware for your home that is durable, and has technologically advanced electronic locks that for your home’s style and architecture. What I really love is that the deadbolt lock comes with a 3 year Limited Electronics Warranty which is the best in the industry.

How I improved our home security with the Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock:

I thought to replace a door lock was going to be a lot harder than it was! The Schlage® lock instructions were great and they walked me step by step through the process. Since I already had both holes for the deadbolt lock and the doorknob, it was just a matter of changing out the old and installing the new.

My cat, Snow was wondering why I was on the “other side of the door”

Take a look at how I installed the lock and doorknob.

Take a look at the Schlage® Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt installation video:

I feel a lot safer knowing that our back door is now secure with a deadbolt and not just a simple doorknob lock. I invite you to take a look at all of Schlage® lock hardware online at Amazon.com or Build.com. While I chose the doorknob for our porch door they have an extensive line of knobs, levers, and trim to fit the design of your home. Forget the keys and increase the safety of your home!

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Schlage®. All opinions are strictly my own.

For more home security ideas on Stagetecture, search our archives here.

After installing new home security systems, it is always good to ensure that they are functioning properly. You cannot just sit back and assume that they are on the right track especially if you do not carry out regular maintenance. There are so many types of home security systems and that is why you need to carry out some specific maintenance steps to ensure that they are working properly.

Image via: Dwell

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Routine inspection

Check all the functional security systems in your home including alarms and surveillance cameras for any signs of deterioration. Also ensure that you check the wiring for any disconnection that might affect the functionality of the installed security system. Lastly, turn on the security system to confirm if it is working as expected.

Checking the power supply

The power supply is also another crucial factor that should be considered during the maintenance process. Some homeowners expect these systems to respond suitably anytime there is an intruder but in real sense, they normally rely on a particular source of power such as electricity or batteries. This brings the importance of ensuring that the source power is supervised at least once a month especially for devices that depend on batteries. These batteries should be changed regularly depending on their remaining power. It will be too hard for you to realize that the battery power is low if you do not carry out routine maintenance on these devices.

Check the audible systems

Sirens and speakers are crucial home security systems that also need to be maintained regularly. Just like the surveillance cameras, you need to ensure that the wiring has been done properly and there are no traces of disconnection. You can also turn them on to ensure that their audio sections are working properly.

Check the remote signals

Some security systems require remote signals to carry out their tasks as expected. If you have any type of security device that uses a remote signaling system, make sure that the batteries are working as expected and also test the signal quality by pressing the buttons. In case you encounter any problem when carrying out the routine checks on these security systems, you will be required to implement some changes:

• Test the device and make necessary adjustments including their positioning

• Make necessary repairs if possible

• Contact a professional home security company for further assistance if the two options fail to work for you

Image: Houzz

After inspecting the home security systems, most people forget to return them to their respective positions. A good example is a hidden surveillance camera that is normally attached to a clock.  This type of camera should be placed strategically to ensure it captures the proceedings of that particular room without facing possible obstructions from furniture and other items at home. Poor reinstatement always gives the burglar an advantage because the picture quality will be affected thus making it hard to identify all those captured in the footage. These are the major tips for maintaining the security systems in your home. For best results, they should be practiced at least once a month.

This article has been written by Cassie Fabre on behalf of reedbrossecurityoakland.com, whose interests in writing about home security, and other security system in general. If you’re looking for Castro valley Locksmith, then why not visit them today.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.

If you walk down the door accessories aisle of your local hardware or home improvement store, you’ll see dozens of choices when it comes to door locks. You’ll find locks in various styles and finishes, some with keys and some without. Unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, the choices can be quite overwhelming. While you may be tempted to buy the cheapest lock that the store carries, curb your urge until you understand how well the different types of locks can protect your home and family.

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Deadbolts

Deadbolts are the standard lock for most entryway doors. The lock typically works with a key from the outside and a knob from the inside. These locks provide ample security for homes that have solid entry doors. If your door has a window located near the lock, you may want to rethink the traditional deadbolt. An intruder can easily shatter your window, reach inside and turn the mechanism. If your door is solid, a deadbolt lock can be a great value at under $30, depending on the style that you choose.

Keyed Locks

If your entry door does have a window next to the lock, a keyed lock will protect your home and family better than a traditional deadbolt. These locks work in the same manner as deadbolts but utilize keys to open and close the lock on both sides of the door. Although you may find it slightly inconvenient to have to lock your doors with a key before you go to bed at night, you’ll be able to rest easier knowing that your family is safe. Keyed locks can be found for the same price as traditional deadbolts at any home improvement store.

Keypad Locks

Keypad locks are a convenient way to provide security for your home. Keypad locks range in price just over $100 to close to $200. These locks are secured and unsecured by punching in a code that you program after you install the mechanism. Because batteries power these locks, they can also be opened with a key. The locks are convenient for parents who don’t want to worry about their young children losing a house key.

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Apps

You may not know it, but you can buy a lock for your entry doors that works with your mobile device. These kits typically start at around $200 and come with the mechanism and application. Once downloaded, the app works as a virtual key from anywhere in the world. You can send your children, or anyone else, a “key” to their mobile device, allowing them entry to your home when you are away. The best thing about these virtual keys is the capability you have to designate how long they remain active.

Window Film

Even if you lock your windows before you leave the house or go to bed for the night, any intruder can break the glass and gain entry into your home. For about $9 a square-foot, you can purchase security film for your windows that is able to withstand up to 400 foot-pounds of force. Though the film should be installed by a professional, thus adding to its cost, it is incredibly effective when it comes to protecting your home.

The next time you’re shopping for locks for your home, don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest one that you see. As with many other things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to locks for your home. The lock you choose should be based on fit, functionality and level of security that it provides. By understanding the types of locks that are available and how they work, you will be better equipped to choose the best lock for your home.

Laura Newkirk is a guest writer for locksmith.net where you can find the best San Diego locksmith.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.