We’ve discussed some of the many designations given to September and the weeks it’s composed of in terms of safety (Rail Safety Month, Watch Out For Wildlife Week, Child Passenger Safety Week, etc.). But there’s one designation that hasn’t gone as heralded, and that’s Realtor Safety Month from the National Association of Realtors. That organization, along with the Silicon Valley Association, has provided a series of home protection tips to California homeowners, and it’s important to consider the advice on hand.
First, don’t grow lax when it comes to locking your doors and windows. Many burglaries occur when a thief walks right in the front door. Obviously, you can prevent this type of thing by always engaging the locks, even when you’re home. That way, you protect not only the things that make up the house, but the occupants inside.
The best door for the job is going to be either solid metal or hardwood, as these are far more difficult to get past than something that’s rather flimsy. The locks should be deadbolts and other types of hard-to-breach units. If you have sliding doors, on your patio or elsewhere in the home, then don’t rely solely on the relatively subpar lock that typically accompanies such a door. Instead, look into placing some type of metal or wooden rod between the door and the area it slides into when fully opened; that way, you have to take this item down before someone outside can get in.
Enhancing visibility is a great way to protect your family and your home. Lighting should be installed around doors and any windows that can be easily accessed. If you don’t want to have to flick these lights on on a regular basis, you could look into the types of systems that turn on when motion is detected. That way, you’ll be alerted the moment someone comes near your home. You can further discourage such persons by keeping the area near windows and doors free of clutter and foliage, which can conceal an individual.
You also need to take extreme safety precautions when you come home and suspect that you have been burglarized. This is vital to avoiding getting hurt. A broken window or a propped open door are indicative of a forced entry, and there’s always a chance that the perpetrator is still inside. The last thing you want to do is confront them. Instead, call the cops from a neighbor’s place or your cellphone and wait for their arrival. If you’re indoors and you think someone is trying to get in, do the same as quietly as possible, and get out of the residence if you can.