Home Security Tips For Uncertain Times

In this economy, most Pennsylvanians are hurting to some degree. Those who were already at the bottom of the heap before the economic meltdown in 2008 have only been launched deeper into poverty, which means that some of them are downright desperate these days. This is not good news for Pennsylvania homeowners, who might find that their houses are more susceptible to break-ins and robberies in addition to seeing their values plummet to next-to-nothing. If your house is already "under water" (i.e. the amount you owe on your mortgage exceeds the present-day value of your home), the last thing you want is for a burglar to steal your valuables and damage your property!

That is why in these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to ensure your home security, whether you live in the foothills of the Alleghany Mountains, downtown Philly, or suburban Scranton. Here are some basic tips that homeowners across the state should take into consideration if they want to keep their families and their property safe.

Invest in a home alarm system.

A home alarm is your number one defense against just about any threat that your house faces. As long as you activate it every time that you go to sleep, leave the house, or go out of town, you can rest assured that your property and your family are safe. When activated, the alarm system will alert the local authorities the very second that someone tries to break in, whether they smash a window, pick a lock, or bash in the back door. With all of the modern features available to you, you can even choose from a whole host of upgrades like security cameras, retina scanners, motion sensors, and silent alarms. Regardless of your home security needs or budget, you will be able to find a system that is right for you and your family.

Be wary of strangers.

If you have children, chances are you have spent a significant amount of time warning them about the danger of strangers. But adults often second-guess or ignore the wisdom that they try to impart upon their children, and routinely open the door to unknown faces, sometimes inviting these strangers into their homes! If you see someone you do not know at the front door, in the name of your home security please do not answer it! This is especially true if you get a bad feeling from them. If it is someone coming from a delivery company like FedEx or UPS, one way to sidestep this situation is to put a box for packages on your front stoop so that they can leave items there.

Get a security door.

Another great way to avoid allowing strangers into your home is by getting a security door. This way, when you open your main front door to talk to someone who is there, you still have the protection of a rod-iron door between you, them, and the street. This way you can get a better read on the situation before deciding whether or not to allow them into your home or make contact with them.