6 Tips for Better Home Safety

Millions of homeowners are burglarized each year. If you don't want to be one of them, here are just six tips for outsmarting thieves and ensuring the safety of what you love the most.

1. Hide Your Keypad

It's good to flaunt the existence of your home security system; this will make thieves think twice before striking your property. Make sure your keypad isn't visible from any doors or windows, however. This will allow thieves to look for the green light that signifies whether or not the alarm is activated.

2. Brighten Your Yard

Don't let anyone sneak up on you. While the best way to protect yourself is to install flood lights around your property that are triggered by sound and motion, even a few torches or walkway lights are better than nothing. They'll help eliminate dark patches where thieves can lurk.

3. Hide Your Valuables Intelligently

If you like to keep a stack of cash on hand for emergencies, make sure you aren't storing it in your sock drawer or in cans under the sink. Thieves have known about these hiding spots for a long time. A better place would be the top of your child's closet. What thief will scour a child's bedroom for valuables?

4. Get Yourself Protected

Join the neighborhood watch. Ask your friends to periodically drive by your house while you're on vacation. Talk to an alarm monitoring company about the watchdog services they offer. When it comes to burglaries, your best defense is a good offense.

5. Have a Remotely Activated Car Alarm

This can be genuinely life-saving if you ever hear someone breaking into your home in the middle of the night. Simply reach into your nightstand and activate your car alarm, and the thief will be so startled and frightened that they'll flee into the night rather than continuing the burglary.

6. Upgrade Your Locks

It may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised by how many homeowners never bother to upgrade their locks from standard doorknob locks. If you're serious about protecting yourself, your family and your valuables, look into deadbolts or chain locks.

These are just a few tips for increased home security. Thieves are getting craftier by the year, so it's important to take measures against them if you want to secure the safety of both your belongings and your loved ones.