Goal for the Day: Know Your Neighborhood

Many communities have a “Neighborhood Watch.”  Many don’t.  Regardless, you should make a point of knowing your neighborhood.  Try to get a sense of the people and vehicles you see on a daily basis.  Everyone has a daily pattern.  Get to know your neighbors’ patterns.  If something seems out of place, for example a car parked too long where it shouldn’t be or unknown people lurking around, keep your eyes open.  Should you feel that there’s a problem, never hesitate to call the police.  It’s up to us to protect our communities.  Very often, our instincts are correct.  If something seems wrong, it usually is. 

Home Security Tip: Secure Your Valuables

As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a firm believer in home security systems ranging from monitored alarms to security cameras.  However, there are additional steps you can take to protect your valuables.  Safes are available in a variety of places and come in a wide range of styles and sizes.  You can purchase a safe with the classic combination lock, or a more up-to-date version with an electronic keypad.  Safes can be mounted in the wall, on a shelf or even in the floor.  No matter what kind of safe you purchase, make sure that it is anchored to a structure (by bolting it to a wall or floor) so that it can’t be carried off.  Fireproof safes are always a good idea.  These will protect your valuable objects and papers from myriad catastrophes.  There’s no reason not to protect your investments.  The purchase of a safe will pay off immediately.

Goal for the Day: Make Your Home Your Castle

Our homes should be a retreat from the craziness of the world. We take great care in making them comfortable and attractive. Filling our homes with things that please us is a natural part of life. We want to be at ease in our homes. That’s all the more reason to make sure our homes are safe.


Today, take a few moments to make sure that your home is as safe as it can be. Have you recently changed the batteries in your smoke detectors? Is everything in working order? Have you taken steps to ensure that your home is protected against intruders? Every few weeks, do a brief check of your home’s systems to make sure that your home is, truly, your castle—a haven to protect you and keep you comfortable.

Home Security Tip of the Week: Window Alarms

If you’re in a position where you cannot install a security system, you may wonder how you can further protect your home. Perhaps you’re a renter, or maybe finances just don’t allow for the expense of a security system at the moment. One solution is battery-operated window alarms.


Using double-sided tape, these alarms are easy to install. Simply place the sensor on the molding and the main unit on the window frame so that they’re touching. The alarms emit a high-pitched squeal if the window is opened. The sound is enough to deter a would-be intruder and will certainly alert you to the fact that someone was trying to get in. These also work great on doors.

Though I have a security system with window sensors, I also keep these alarms on the windows as a secondary level of protection. I would recommend them. They’re inexpensive and offer peace of mind.

Home Security Tip of the Week: Motion Sensitive Lights

One way to guard your home in addition to your home security system and cameras, is to install motion sensitive lights both inside and outside your home. Exterior flood lights are often motion sensitive and can be set for both sensitivity and duration. Installing motion sensitive lights near doors and in your driveway will light the way for you on when you come home at night and also alert you if anyone is approaching your home in the dark.


Similarly, motion sensitive lights can be installed in your home. Very often, a sensor can easily be installed in place of an existing light switch. I have several here and I find them to be very useful. Set up in hallways and in public living spaces, interior motion lights can be set to “auto” at night. This way, if you step out into the hallway to get a midnight snack, the light will go on without your having to stumble for the switch. Similarly, if someone were to enter your house, they, too, would trip the light. A variety of motion sensitive lights are available on the market. Take a look around to find which will best work for your home.

Home Security Tip of the Week: Check Your Windows

Though it seems like common sense, many of us forget to lock our windows. Ground floor windows as well as upper-story windows should be kept locked when not open. Most standard window locks are sufficient. I like to use extra window locks in addition to the standard variety as well as electronic sensors that set off an alarm when the window is tampered with. Adding extra locks to your windows is simple and inexpensive. Check online or at your local home improvement store to see your options.

A window lock with a home security camera.

You should periodically check your window locks. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause window frames to shift. This can sometimes cause your window locks to become loose. Taking a few minutes for a seasonal glance at the locks is always a great idea.

If you often have your windows open for air circulation, just see that the windows are closed before you leave the house or that those that remain open are not accessible.

Another thing to keep in mind is the overgrowth of shrubbery and trees around windows and doors. While many of us like the English garden look, having too many overgrown areas isn’t to your advantage. You want the area around the windows to be somewhat visible so that your neighbors can spot someone lurking where they shouldn’t be.

When you leave the house, close blinds and draperies. Not only does this keep unwanted eyes from surveying your territory, but it’s a good idea from an energy-saving standpoint.

Remember, your windows are your source for light and a great view, they’re not meant to be an entrance for other people.