A couple weeks ago, I offered a couple of ways to protect you from losses during potential disasters in A Thing or Two on a Home’s Safety. Today I would like to give some very simple ways to give your home security. When you spend just a small amount of money to improve your home security, you substantially reduce the risk of being burglarized. Even better, you may be able to cut your insurance premium by up to 20% — different insurers have different rules, so you’ll need to investigate this.
Now, you can buy window locks for less than a dollar a door with a safety chain for a couple of bucks and a peephole that lets you view visitors before opening the door for just a little more. They’re all simple to install but, if it’s beyond your ability, find a friend, neighbor or relative who can help. And if your door locks or latches are old, replace them! When thinking about safety, do not hide an emergency door key outside! Thieves know all the “secret” places you believe they’ll never think of, including that little bunny-rabbit figurine with the hiddy-hole in its belly. The best thing to do would be give a spare key to a trusting neighbor or even a relative.
Also, do not keep your house key with items that give away your address and never leave your house key in your car!