There are so many important aspects that homeowners need to focus on in order to avoid structural damages, financial issues, and all kinds of stress. For instance, homeowners need to keep residential humidity levels between 30% and 55% to maintain optimum air quality, keep refrigerators and cupboards stocked with plenty of groceries each week, handle all the daily, weekly, and monthly expenses, and so much more.
Perhaps the number one thing property owners need to focus on, however, is the safety and protection of not just your home, but your entire family. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a burglary happens every 15.4 seconds in the United States.
Despite the fact that burglaries are so common, only a small percentage are actually reported and as much as 90% of burglaries are never solved. That’s probably due to the fact that only 17% of homeowners have adequate home security systems. Not only can these high-tech home protections systems deter criminals from ever attempting to break into your home, they can record and capture evidence should any intruders break-in.
In addition to installing a quality home security system, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your property, home, and family safe:
- Remember the simple things — Despite what you may think, criminals, at least many of them, are smart and will stop at nothing to take advantage of property owners so they can make a quick buck or steal some valuable items. Burglars don’t need elaborate plans to break-in, however, and can simply walk right up to the front door in daylight and enter into your home. Even if you trust your neighbors and are only going out for an hour, you should always lock your door. Plus, keeping your home well-lit at night will help ward off criminals, as well. Over the past five years, the Locksmiths industry has seen a 1.2% increase in the number of employees
- Consider forming or entering into a neighborhood watch program — If your neighborhood already has a watch program, great. If not, simply talk to a few of your neighbors and take the lead. Not only will this help you and your family bond with your neighbors, it will help create a much safer environment for everyone.
- Keep your shrubbery trimmed — The last thing you want to do is make it easier for a burglar to hide while attempting a break-in. Keeping shrubbery around walkways and entrances trimmed will make it much easier for you to spot any potential intruders.
- Double-check contractor credentials — A common burglary strategy involves posing as legitimate repair workers in order to gain access into your home. Nearly 87% of U.S. homes have air conditioning units, which require regular maintenance to properly function. Criminals are aware of this and will pose as professional HVAC contractors. You should never let anyone into your home simply because they say they are professionals. Double-check their credentials, make sure they have a website, and call a reference or two if you’re still not sure.
- Keep everything inside — Sadly, because burglaries are so common, Americans can’t even leave their kids’ bicycles outside. People will steal anything, so you should keep everything locked indoors. Don’t leave grills, toys, ladders, tools, and the like sitting outside.
- Make your house look lived in — It’s time to channel your inner Kevin McCallister and make your home look like there are people inside even if you’re going away for a few days. You don’t have to get as elaborate as building a fake holiday party, but living a porch light on, living room light on, and the kitchen fan on will help scare off intruders.
Most importantly, if you notice a crime or any suspicious activity at all in your neighborhood — call the police. Also, if you return home and notice that someone broke in, do not enter. Instead, head to your neighbor’s house and call the police.