Home security

Situational prevention.

For a professional thief, breaking into someone else's home is easier than you think, especially if there are no internal and external security systems, measures or policies in that house. While the tips and habits you follow will not completely prevent your family from becoming a victim of crime, it will reduce the risk considerably, as burglars will choose to focus their attention on another home that makes their actions easier.

Reinforcement of vulnerable points.

1.- Main entrance. Install, whenever possible, an intercom or video intercom so you can see who is knocking. If the entrance faces directly onto the street, the door and frame must be metal or, possibly, made of hard and reinforced wood and have a window to safely assist whoever calls. Install a mailbox to avoid opening the door when receiving documents. If there is space between the main door and the street, install a gate that serves as an “airlock” or “cage” with remote opening from the inside to establish safe access for visitors. The important thing is that when your door opens to the street, it has a safe area in its surroundings that allows you to react in time if required.

2.- Access doors. Invest in installing a couple of lock plates, at least an inch long, to reinforce the pins. Consider installing plates or secondary locks to reinforce the door at the bottom, top and hinge side. On the main door, install a peephole that allows a 180° view, to perfectly see the person knocking and don't forget to always place and use a safety chain to half-open the door.

3.-Windows. Install curtains or blinds that prevent visibility to the inside and place metal protections on the outside (bars). In the case of sliding windows, they are lifted into position when installed and therefore can be lifted out of the sliding groove for removal by a thief. Avoid this by inserting three screws into the groove at the top, adjusting them so that they barely prevent them from sliding. Adhere a safety plastic film or laminate (transparent) to the glass, which prevents glass penetration.

4.-Wall walls/Fences/Fences/Fences. Keep them high as much as possible and install – possibly – barbed wire or similar. There are very sophisticated options that can deter the most daring. You can also place broken bottles mixed with cement (ofendicles). Ideally you can electrify your wall and put up a warning sign, as well as a complete alarm system connected to a central station. There must be homogeneity in the level of protection in its surrounding perimeter through the elements that allow it to detect, deter and retain any potential aggressor.

¡TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE LEGAL REGULATIONS OF YOUR COUNTRY!

5.- Patios and gardens. Keep them clean, well lit, with grass and plants cut. Check that tree branches do not make it easy for someone to hide, climb, and enter your home. Never leave ladders nearby. Whenever possible, install lights with motion sensors.

6.- Garage and main gate. Preferably it should be electric, in order to speed up the entry and exit procedure, by avoiding having to get out to open it and thus allowing you to stay inside the car at all times. On fences, install high security plates and padlocks. Do not post signs with the family's name. At night, when traveling, or even while at home, it is advisable to lock the automatic garage door with a mechanical lock, since criminals can currently obtain the correct code from the wireless remote control and thus open the door without you noticing.

7.- Roof/terraces. Install—whenever you can—mechanical barriers (grid systems or protections that prevent passage from one house to another); Secure skylights, domes or skylights with rods/grids on the inside and metal belts on the outside. If you have a fixed ladder to go up and down, install a gate with a lock or padlock to block the way.

8.- Lighting. Install automatic turn-on devices for outdoor lights at nightfall. For the interior, there are economical systems with which lamps or sound equipment can be turned on and off for programmed times that will allow you to simulate the presence of people inside the house.

9.-Alarm and monitoring systems. While alarms do not deter all thieves, they are useful in many cases. There are different types and prices; Consider its installation to the extent of your possibilities, as well as that of a video surveillance system. Both systems support configuration and operation through applications on the mobile phone. There are a wide variety of alarm systems, there are some to detect movements, blows, forces, etc. Some systems offer the possibility of neighborhood intercommunication, if possible, organize with your neighbors to purchase a system that allows families to be alerted in case of danger.

10.- Security technology. There is a wide range of security-oriented products on the market, from facial recognition technology, lighting, smart walls and wiring to personal micro locators; Its acquisition will obviously depend on your income capacity. All of these resources are obviously valuable, however, remember that the most effective tools are common sense and instinct.

11.- Improvised alarm systems. If you do not have the means to purchase an alarm, improvise one with a motion sensor and a horn; In electricity stores or hypermarkets you will find the necessary elements. Discreetly hide the sensor. On sites like YouTube you will find very easy ways to do them. In most cases they are enough to discourage those who try to enter your home.

Preventive habits at home ►

Home security

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