Thoughts about home safety quickly turn to things we shouldn’t leave in plain sight – like valuables in the car, delivered packages on the doorstep, a week’s worth of mail in the mailbox, and bikes in the driveway. Doing so can make your home and possessions easy targets for the bad guys.
And yet, did you know that leaving some key items at or near your front door can deter criminals, while others can help first responders in the event of an emergency? It’s true. Here are some simple and affordable ways to make your home and family safer.
Install privacy film. If your front has clear glass inserts or sidelights, consider installing privacy film to prevent visitors from peaking inside. Decorative film still allows sunlight to shine through while adding a layer of protection to your home.
Leave a pair of boots out. Keep a spare pair of worn boots or shoes in your entry closet or foyer. Before leaving, place them on the front stoop or porch. This little trick makes it appear that someone left their outside before entering.
Add a security sign. Security systems can be pricey, so if you can’t spring for one right now, insert a realistic-looking security sign in the ground by your front door and add security decals to a few windows.
Make sure house numbers are visible. Small, unlit house numbers are difficult to see from the street. That makes it harder for first responders to find your home in case of emergency. Replace them with larger house numbers, at least 6” high, and install them on a contrasting surface.
Install faux security cameras. Much like fake security signs, dummy cameras can make it appear as if your home is equipped with a video surveillance system. Just be sure to purchase cameras with wires and flashing lights for added realism.
Leave the radio on. Movement and sound often are enough to deter a burglar, so keep a small radio near your front door – but out of sight – and turn it on before leaving the house.
Install pet rescue decals. If you have pets, place pet rescue decals on the glass insert of your entry door or on the window closest to it. That way, emergency responders will know there are animals inside in need of rescue in case of fire.
Install a Wi-Fi doorbell. One of today’s more popular home security gadgets is a Wi-Fi video doorbell which sends an alarm to your smartphone when someone approaches and records a video of the visitor. Since burglars avoid recognition, they’re likely to head elsewhere.
You know what else starts at your front door? Home comfort. So, if your heating or cooling system is need of service, repair, or replacement, contact the HVAC pros at Optimum Air today. We’re always on hand to help.