Everybody loves going on vacation, but often that longed for break can be totally ruined if, on return, the family home has been vandalized and precious personal items stolen. In order to fully enjoy a holiday and rest content that possessions and property are safe it is an excellent idea to explore home security options.

Securing your home before the trip

Whether it is a case of going away for a long trip or just downtown to run a few errands, home security is vital. A good place to start is to have a chat with an officer from the local police department, who will assess the physical security of the home. It’s no use having a state of the art alarm system in place if a thief has an open invitation to enter the house through a faulty window or an unlocked door. Thieves are often opportunists and if they see a house that hasn’t been secured they will seize their moment. Always ensure that home insurance is up to date and that the family possessions are protected along with the actual property itself. Increasingly, insurance companies are offering lower priced premiums to individuals who have a home alarm monitoring system in place, especially alarm monitoring systems can alert a family to fire and flooding as well as burglaries.

Image via: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

[ad#co-1]

Choose a security system for your lifestyle

Today, an increasing number of home alarm systems can be monitored through a Wi-Fi cell phone. Previously, these systems were enabled through a conventional telephone line and were expensive to install. For anyone who does not have a cell phone, a highly efficient alarm system can still be installed. It is for the individual consumer to assess the level of security they require. Some people use their alarms as a means of detecting intruders through movement sensors; an option that is ideal for anyone concerned about home intrusion when they are asleep within the property. This type of alarm system can also alert the homeowner when the house is unattended.

Image via: Matthew Millman

Ensure your system is easily controlled

The FBI reports that two-million families were the victims of break-ins in 2010, a figure that is set to rise. The company supplying the alarm system will monitor the property from their remote response center, so that any attempt to break-in can be dealt with in a timely fashion. Sometimes just the sound of a loud alarm, accompanied by the activation of bright lights will be enough to deter any would-be burglar, but for complete peace of mind it’s important for the homeowner to know that, in their absence, the local police department will attend their property as a result of an alert. 90% of burglars who have been caught have stated that they wouldn’t go near a house that was fitted with an alarm.  This statement alone demonstrates how much more of a deterrent an alarm system is than a house sitter.

Image via: Matthew Millman

Flexibility and technology

Thanks to a smartphone app, the internet and Wi-Fi the homeowner is in constant control. This ingenious combination of modern technologies enables the family on vacation to monitor their home through use of video surveillance; they can switch the lights on and off to suggest occupation and will be alerted immediately if a movement sensor is triggered. In an increasingly frantic world, peace of mind while on vacation is hard to beat.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When you finally purchase a home safety is a big concern and you’ll discover that there is a certain amount of pride and accomplishment wrapped up in the process. But you’ll also find that your worries multiply. When you rent a property, you are certainly responsible for keeping the place clean and trying not to cause any damage. But you don’t put a lot into it because you know you’re not going to get any real value out of improvements you make during your lease. When you own a home, on the other hand, every upgrade is not only for your own benefit, but it also has the chance to increase your return on investment. The other side of the coin is that anything that happens to your home in the way of damage stands to devalue your investment. And of course, you want to see to the safety and security of not only your property, but your family, as well. So here are just a few essential safety items that you should consider adding to your property.

Image via: Martinkovic Milford Architects

[ad#co-1]

1. First aid kit.

Strictly speaking, this won’t protect your home, but having a first aid kit on hand can certainly come in handy when it comes to delivering temporary medical care to anyone injured on your property. This kit should include Band-Aids, gauze (plus scissors and tape), antiseptic, styptic powder, ipecac (in case poisonous substances are swallowed), aspirin, tweezers, a thermometer, and perhaps even a first aid instructional guide of some sort. The American Red Cross advises adding some kind of face mask (for protection during CPR) and rubber gloves. You should also include a list of relevant phone numbers for your area, such as a nurse hotline, your family physician, the local fire and police, and so on.

2. Home alarm system.

Even in areas that enjoy very little crime it’s not a bad idea to ensure early warning in the case of home intrusion. An alarm system can help to protect not only the valuables in your home, but your most valuable asset of all: your family. And with smarthome options from companies like Vivint and ADT, you can control the alarm system, as well as lighting, thermostat, and even electronics remotely from your smartphone or tablet, making the house look lived-in even while you’re away on vacation.

3. CO2 – Carbon Monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because it is a colorless, odorless gas produced by common household appliances like the furnace, not to mention your car. The point is that you’ll never know it’s there unless you have a CO2 detector to warn you when levels in your home become dangerously high.

4. Smoke detectors.

Perhaps even more dangerous than carbon monoxide is fire, which can take both your family and your home in one stroke. So installing smoke detectors in every room is of the utmost importance. However, you also need to make sure that they’re functioning properly. It’s best to swap out the alkaline batteries every six months, so you might want to do when the time changes in spring and fall as an easy way to remember.

Image via:  Applegate Tran Interiors

5. Fire extinguisher.

In addition to the warning provided by smoke detectors, you should have a way to put out any fires in your house. This is especially important in the kitchen or other areas where fires are more likely to occur. But you should also place them along escape routes (staircases and doors, for example) to ensure that your family can escape in the event of an unstoppable blaze.

For more emergency preparedness on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re reading this then there’s a good chance that you’ve put a lot of effort into making your home a welcoming and comfortable place to live. However you don’t want your property to be too welcoming and these simple tips will give you some quick steps to make your property more secure. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and a little prevention can go a long way.

Image via: Alexandre Parent

[ad#co-1]

Guard Dog or Family Pet

If you’re considering getting a dog as a family pet why not choose a dog that can also sound the alarm if need be. This is probably one of the most enjoyable “security measures” you could take and will also help to keep the kids entertained. Some of the best dog breeds for protection are:

• Bullmastiff
• Doberman Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• Komodor
• Puli
• Giant Schnauzer
• German Shepherd
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Kuvasz
• Staffordshire Terrier

Security Cameras

Security cameras are fairly affordable nowadays depending on just how far you want to go in terms of picture quality and night vision. Safe Site Facilities have a nice comparison of the different options available. As a deterrent security cameras are one of the most effective home security solutions available because it makes any would be criminal think twice if they know their every move will be caught on camera. Depending on the number of security cameras you go for you’ll normally be able to install them yourself or with the help of a friend over the course of a sunny afternoon. A few quick tips for installing your own CCTV system:

• Placement is everything. You’ll want to have your security cameras fitted high up on the walls of your house so they can’t be easily reached from the ground. After all what good is a security camera if someone can just reach up and snip the wire.
• If your roof has an overhang then putting your security camera right up to where the roof meets the wall will provide additional protection from the elements for your cameras and thus give them a longer lifespan.
• For most systems it will make sense to drill directly into the loft so that all the wires can meet in the middle and be fed down from the ceiling into a single room where your digital video recorder (DVR) and monitor will be stationed.

Image via: Ehrlich Architects

A Little Bit of Light

Shadowy corners are always a little bit concerning and it’s no surprise that poorly lit properties are more appealing to would be criminals. Something as simple as a porch light providing your property with a warm glow can be enough to do the trick. The other option being a motion activated security light, which with halogen bulbs in the 200W-500W range can really light a place up when required.

Emergency Services can Help

Just in case something does go wrong remember that the emergency services are only a phone call away. Most of us carry around mobile phones nowadays, even at home, so make sure you have your trusty mobile to hand or know where it is at all times.

Knowing the best and quickest way to exit your house will make a stressful situation that much more manageable. Usually being able to exit through the back of the house and garden will be a real plus, just make sure you figure out how that tricky lock on your back gate works before you need to use it. On the flip side have a think about how you would get into your house if you didn’t have your keys, you may be surprised at the number of opportunities there are to break in. Open windows, dodgy door handles or the key under the plant pot should all be looked at as a way to prevent your home being singled out as an easy target.

Finally make friends with your neighbours; I’m sure they’d be more than happy to watch over the house while you’re on holiday. If you get on really well you might want to give them a spare key as an alternative to the riskier under the plant pot tactic.

For more security tips on Stagetecture, click here.

According to the FBI, about four property crimes are committed every minute. While many homeowners often feel like helpless victims after being burglarized, you can take control now to reduce your chances of being a target.

Image via: Cary Bernstein Architect

[ad#co-1]

Here are some tips from seasoned ex-burglars about what to do and what not to do to keep your house safe:

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Jon Douglas Rainey, an ex-burglar and co-host of “It Takes a Thief,” said in a interview on Discovery.com that the most common mistake he saw homeowners make was feeling too safe. A false sense of security can lead to careless mistakes. Whether you’ve lived in the same home for decades or you’re close with all of your neighbors, don’t think you are the exception. Instead, adopt a street-smart mentality of someone living in a big city or a crime-ridden area and channel that energy into protecting your home.

Install an Alarm & Use It

According to Atlanta Police Department crime statistics, there were 7,499 burglaries in Atlanta in the last year, rendering LifeShield home security in Atlanta essential. However, a security system is only as effective as the user.

Matt Johnston, an ex-burglar and Rainey’s co-host on “It Takes a Thief” noted in an interview on Discovery.com that the most common mistake he saw homeowners make was not using their alarm systems. Slow down and check to make sure your doors are locked and that the alarm system is activated. If you tend to be forgetful, invest in a security system that allows you to remotely access your alarm.

Image via: Paul Moon Design

Have a Guard Dog

It may sound cliché, but it’s true, the sight of a dog can send burglars running in the other direction. In an interview with Texas news station KXAN, ex-burglar Kenneth Fields said that a fear of trained dogs was enough to get him to move on to another target if he saw homeowners had a dog.

While pit bulls, Rottweilers and other large breeds are generally the most intimidating, you can scare off criminals without even revealing your dog. Strategically place your dog’s water and food bowls near the front door and place “beware of dog” signs around the perimeter of your property.

Don’t Be a Show-Off

If you have a habit of parking your flashy brand-new car in the driveway instead of the garage, you could be drawing a criminal’s attention to your house. Burglars often scope out neighborhoods, looking in yards, driveways and on front porches to see what goodies homeowners may have. A recent Reader’s Digest article noted that lots of kids toys in the yard often indicates that spoils like gaming systems are inside, so make sure your kids put away their toys when they’re done with them.

For more home security tips on Stagetecture, click here.

If you want to improve your home security, spending money on home security systems can be the smartest move for you. You’ll find that installing a new home security system — complete with CCTV and motion detection lights — will be an excellent way to protect your home. You can have a lot more peace of mind by installing a security system in your home, and it will be a worthwhile investment on your part.

Image via: Horst Architects

[ad#co-1]

However, your system will only be as effective as you make it. Here are some tips to help you ensure that your home is as protected as possible:

Never Assume it’s a False Alarm

Many people will hear their alarm system going off and think that it’s just a malfunction in the system or a false alarm. You’d be amazed by how many people made this mistake, only to end up with their homes being burgled because they thought the alarm was false. Always check out any alarms that are set off, as that will ensure that you are on top of anything going on in your home.

Keep It Working 

How many times have you heard your neighbor’s house alarms going off, only to write it off as a faulty alarm? This is very common, and many people simply assume that the alarm going off next door isn’t working properly. Never let your alarm be one of the faulty ones that go off randomly, but keep it in good working order. This way, if the alarm does go off, your neighbors will know that something is going on.

Get and Offer Neighborhood Help

If you are worried about your home, it may be a good idea to set a neighborhood watch of sorts to keep an eye on your homes. Make a rotational schedule where one or two people drive through the neighborhood at random intervals throughout the day, checking the homes to ensure that everything is in order. You may have a good security system, but it may be wise to get help from the others in your neighborhood in keeping an eye on your home.

Image via: Lands End Development – Designers & Builders

Avoid Leaving Signs that You’re Away

Even the best alarm system will only be useful to deter burglars when they know that they can get in and out without being caught, but homes that are left empty for long periods of time are often easy marks even with a good security system. Have a friend park their car on your driveway, and set your home’s lights on a timer in order to give the appearance that someone is home. Have a neighbor pick up your mail in the morning, and leave someone with a key to get into your house should it be necessary. Hire a neighborhood youth to cut your lawn and sweep off the property if you are going to be out of town, as that will ensure that your home looks occupied even if you’re not there.

For more home security tips on Stagetecture, click here.

How safe is your home against a burglary? Here’s something to think about: Did you know that approximately 30 of every 1000 homes in the United States are burglarized each year? Did you also know that out of those 30 houses, 64 percent are broken into between the hours of 6am-6pm and that for 34 percent of them, burglars actually use the front door?

So, being that statistics cite that a home is broken into about every 15 seconds, it’s smart to know about some of the things that you can do to make it more challenging for your house to be a target for crime.

Image via: Celtic Custom Homes

[ad#co-1]

Here are our top five “house crime-proofing” recommendations below:

Get an alarm system.

This tip probably sounds obvious and yet, you might be surprised by how many homes go without having one. The benefits of an alarm system are not only do they deter criminals from breaking into your house, but they can provide you with a discount on your house insurance while upgrading your property value.

Keep up your yard.

A thief is going to look for some clues that a house is a “low risk” place to steal from. One of the things that they will look for is a yard that is not kept up on a regular basis, including if it has mail that is stacked up in the mailbox or newspapers accumulating on the porch. Therefore, make sure that you are up-to-date on your landscaping. Oh, and while we’re on this particular subject, also make sure to keep your trees and shrubs trimmed up. When you don’t, that’s a perfect hideout for a criminal as he makes his entrance (or his escape).

Light it up.

When a house has no lights inside or out, that is definitely making it vulnerable to being attacked. That’s why it’s a good idea to have at least one light on in a room that can be visibly seen from outside, plus, it’s smart to install some outdoor motion lights. One of the huge benefits about them is that being that they are not constantly on, when you notice them turning on and off, it serves as a signal of some outdoor activity.

Image via: Brown Davis

Have a “neighborhood buddy system”.

When using a security system, whether you decide to go with Access Control London or with a company here in the States, one thing that you’ll be advised to do is to cultivate a healthy interaction with your neighbors. That way, they can look out for your house when you’re out of town and they will be more inclined to let you know if they suspect anything strange is going on in or around your yard.

Hide your valuables.

Most people know not to leave their expensive jewelry lying around; however, what we mean by this is that you should put your precious valuables in places where a burglar would not think first to go (which means avoiding the refrigerator or cookie jar). The harder they have to work to get what they want, the more frustrated they’ll become and with any luck, they will leave your house empty-handed.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.