10 Tips for Homeowners without a Security System

And we’re glad you came by! We’re here to be a home security resource, even if you don’t own a FrontPoint Security alarm system. We’re in the business to protect everyone.

Securing your home requires that you are careful and make sound, smart decisions. Here are 10 tips on how to protect your home, whether or not you have an alarm system.

1)  Think like a burglar. The first thing you should do is take an objective look at your home. Identify potential points of entry for a burglar, such as vents and dog doors. Also check to see if any surrounding trees could give a burglar access to an upstairs window.

2)  Lock all doors and windows. Burglars often enter a home by walking through an unlocked front door, so make sure to always lock your doors -- even if you’re only gone for a short time. Also lock all your windows, including those upstairs.

3)  Put away all tools and ladders. Rakes, shovels, and gardening tools can all be used to break through a window. Leaving a ladder out is an invitation for a burglar to access the upper levels of your home. We know, because a burglar told us.

4)  Light it up. One of the best ways to deter a burglar is by making it appear that someone is at home, and you can do that easily by turning on the lights. You can remotely control your lights with home automation technology and even have them operate under a schedule.

5)  Invest in outdoor lights. Extend the use of lights to the exterior of your home by turning on the porch light, or invest in advanced motion-sensing lights to be placed in darker areas. The last thing a burglar wants it to be seen.

6)  Trim trees and bushes. Large trees, bushes, and shrubs can aid burglars by providing them with a place to remain unnoticed. They also make it difficult for a neighbor to spot anything suspicious.

7)  Get a Beware of Dog sign. According to a former burglar, seeing a Beware of Dog sign is an automatic no-no. An actual dog isn’t even required; the mere presence of the sign is enough to deter a burglar.

8)  Do not announce your location on social media. Whether you’re going to the movies or a long vacation, announcing your location is letting burglars know that you’re not home. So hold off on updating your Twitter and Facebook, it can wait.

9)  Collect newspapers, mail and packages. A burglar will take full mailbox or a pile of newspapers as an indication that no one has been home for a few days. If you’re heading out of town, either suspend your mail and paper, or make arrangements for someone to pick it up daily.

10)  Know your neighbors. A trustworthy neighbor can alert you to any suspicious activity near your home when you’re not around. If you’re gone for a long period of time, they can help make your home appear occupied by collecting the mail, making footprints in snow, and turning on lights.

These steps can help you protect your home if you don’t have an alarm system. They can also help if you do own a system! Adding a quality security system, backed by 24/7 professional monitoring, and following these tips will help ensure that your home is safe and secure.

How do you to protect your home without a security system? Share your tips in the comments below!