Kwikset has taken notice of our home security blog and have asked us to join their Kwikset SmartSquad to help educate homeowners about effective and proactive steps to help maintain the safety of their home and family.
We thought we'd start with five safety tips that everyone in your family should know.
1. Lock the Doors and Windows
This seems like a no brainer but it only takes a few moments for a burglar to jump your fence and see if your window or door is unlocked. It's much easier for them to find open doors or windows than to break into homes that are locked with deadbolts. Criminals always want to find the easy way in so don't help them too much.
2. Leave a Light On
Burglars will "case" locations and if you're gone and the lights are always off you are an easy target. Using timers are a great idea and if you are concerned about wasting energy then make sure you switch to an LED or CFL bulb.
3. Don't Neglect Landscaping
Houses with great curb appeal show that someone is usually there taking care of the property. Houses that sit empty often are better targets. Keep up your yard and your neighbors will also love you.
Installing your own home security system no longer requires the expertise of a skilled technician. You can still invest in a full-featured system from one of the leading home security firms but you now have more choices when it comes to protecting your home using the latest technology.
Cameras and alarms that are accessed through the internet via your web browser or smart phone are now becoming commonplace and a growing sector in the home security business.
LaserShield sells a kit that costs about $700 and includes a base station, three wireless window and door sensors, a motion detector, two key-fob controllers and a smoke detector. It connects to the company's monitoring service through your telephone line, although a cellular connectivity solution is also available. Monitoring is about $30 a month, and add-ons include wireless cameras and a "flood detector" to alert you to water in low-lying areas like basements.
To be honest one of the reasons I wanted to expand Charles & Hudson into covering home security was to have an opportunity to discuss the issue of firearms as a home security option.
Its difficult to find information online or anywhere regarding the use of a firearm for home protection that isn't highly politicized or judgmental.
If you decide that owning a gun isn't the proper choice in your home then we respect that decision. If you are considering purchasing a gun for home protection we respect that decision as well and want to help you make the best choice possible based on your capabilities and living situation.
