12 Home Security Tips From Young House Love

Recently John and Sherry of Young House Love went over the various ways they keep their pretty famous home safe. While some of their pointers are things avid C&H readers already know to do, like getting to know your neighbors, some of them are things I never would have thought to do.

One thing the Youngsters suggest is getting a safe deposit box for all of your important paper work, like deeds, birth certificates, and valuables such as heirloom jewelry. The thought of paying a minimal fee to have all of your important and valuable items safely stored offsite of your living quarters seems almost novel, yet brilliant. That way, you won't even run the risk of losing your great Aunt Edna's vintage pearls in a break in or everything that legally identifies you as a person in a fire or flood.

Another thing they brought up that struck me is their waterproof, fireproof safe. Not that I think safes are odd -- I often wish we had one for our valuables -- but it was the statement that they received one for their wedding. I never would have thought to buy someone something so practical and functional. Yet it makes so much more sense than a vase or picture frame.

Other tidbits they discuss are making your landscaping protect you, making your home fire, carbon monoxide, and radon safe, routine appliance maintenance, and a handful of other not-so-common-sense suggestions.

Photo: Young House Love