Home Security — 3 Ways to Stay Safe in the Summer

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It’s common practice to lock the house when leaving to run errands or when going out for the day. But what about when going over to the neighbor’s house for only a few minutes, just to ask a quick question? Or when taking a short walk up the street for a quick break and to enjoy the summer air?

With home security, it’s always better to play it safe.

Lock All Exterior Doors When Leaving the House

It’s probably overkill to lock the doors just to run up to the mailbox at the top of the driveway. But when leaving the vicinity — even for just a few minutes — it’s always smart to make sure all doors are locked. A casual burglar might not take the time to break a window, but if they know a house is empty and find a door unlocked, it would only take him a few minutes to run in and grab a laptop or a family heirloom.

Make sure every exterior door is in good shape and has a strong lock. Then, use those locks when leaving the house, even if the trip is “just up the road.”

Get Good Window Locks … And Use Them

Windows are constantly going up and down in the summer months. No one wants to lock and unlock a window every time it gets opened or shut, so windows are generally left unlocked. Some windows, especially in older houses, may not have locks at all.

It’s easier to remember to lock a door than to secure a window, but it’s just as important to lock all windows when leaving the house. Adding locks to a window is simple and not expensive, and it will add extra security.

Also, try to make a habit of locking windows each time they are shut. It may seem tedious now, but getting into a rhythm of always locking windows will lessen the chances that one will be left unsecured when it matters.

Install and Maintain Window and Door Alarm Systems

Sometimes locking doors and windows isn’t enough. Installing an alarm system can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind when leaving the house, especially when going on a summer vacation.

There are various different types of security and alarm systems. Some systems simply sound the alarm when a door or window is opened, designed to scare off the intruder and alert the neighbors. Other systems notify the police or a security agency when they are tripped. It’sa good idea to research the different options before making a decision.

And just as important as installing a system is making sure the system is always working properly. Always follow proper maintenance procedures for the system. And most important … make sure to turn it on. As obvious as that is, forgetting to turn on an alarm system is just as bad as not having one at all. Getting into a habit of turning the system on when leaving will make it an automatic action, keeping your home secure.