It’s no secret that security systems, burglar alarms, and cameras are effective features that can protect your home and scare away potential thieves. Installing these systems cost money, but they can also lead to home insurance discounts.
Still, there are other ways you can protect your home and belongings without having to fork out a lot of money.
Below are some easy tricks that will make your home safer and will cost you $0.00, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Establish safety habits
Behavior is important. Instilling these habits into your home can prevent you or a family member from accidentally inviting crime over.
- Create a routine before leaving the house to ensure doors and windows are locked and alarm systems switched on.
- Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers and announcing your personal plans online or in public notices (such as giving your address when advertising items for sale).
- Notify the police and/or your neighborhood watch if you see suspicious strangers in your area.
- Don't carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address.
- Never leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant.
- Don't hide your keys in "secret" places outside your home.
Make your home look occupied
Burglars love empty homes. If you’re going away for vacation or business, make sure your home always looks occupied.
Some tips:
- Leave blinds open in their usual position.
- Notify dependable neighbors when you plan to be away; consider notifying police, as well.
- Arrange to have your lawn mowed frequently
- Stop newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick-up "throw-away" newspapers and circulars.
- Have mail and packages picked up by neighbors; alternately, have them forwarded or held by the post office.
- Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.
- Use automatic timers to turn lights and a radio on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times.
