Begin With Low Tech Home Security

More and more homeowners and heads of family are taking the security of their homes increasingly seriously – but often don’t realize just how effective low tech home security can be as a starting point.

Crime is on the rise and, what is more, criminals seem to be getting younger and younger and more and more violent. Here we shall look at what kinds of low tech steps you can take to make your home more secure. While the ultimate aim should probably be to install a full, monitored security system, there are in fact many simple, common-sense solutions that can be implemented immediately. It is necessary for everyone to be aware of what is happening on their street and in their neighborhood. Lighting, both street lighting and your own outdoor lighting, is also very important in making your home a less inviting target. Finally, we shall look at how you should react to unwanted and unexpected visitors. Our aim is to furnish you with a few ideas that you can put into practice right now to give you – and your family – a more secure feeling.

Basic Prevention

The first thing you can do to make your home – and your neighborhood – more secure, is to be aware of what is happening in your street and in your neighborhood. If you see someone in your neighbor’s garden and you know he (or she) shouldn’t be there, don’t be afraid to ring the police. If criminals know that you – and hopefully your neighbors – are on the lookout for suspicious behavior, they’ll be much less likely to target your area.

Secondly, lighting is especially important to dissuade criminals. Lack of good light makes it easier for them to remain “invisible”. If any of the street lamps in your area break, let your local authority know about it. Your own outside lighting is also very important. You should make sure that your garage and any outhouses are well lit, as well as your door and any windows that could be used as entrance points to your home. While this is certainly “tech”, I think it is fair to say that it still remains within the sphere of low tech home security.

Finally, you should be extremely wary of unwanted or unexpected visitors who claim they need to gain entry to your house. These include visitors from public utilities (phone company, electricity company, etc.,). All of these people must carry identification, and they never mind being asked to show it. However, if you notice anything at all suspicious, or if it’s not really the right time for a visit (your meter was read only a couple of weeks ago!), then ring the company before you let the person in.

As you can see, there are a number of simple, yet extremely, effective low tech measures you can take to make an immediate positive difference to the security of your home. Just be aware of any unusual movements in the area around your home; make sure that your local street lighting stays in good repair and that your own outdoor area is well illuminated; and keep any unauthorized strangers out of your house. Once you have set these procedures in place, you can start thinking about more complex, and higher-tech, home security measures, like cameras and alarms.

Our aim in this blog is to help you decide what types of security measures you need to take for your personal needs. Just click on the links at the top of the left column to find articles about different aspects of high and low tech home security.

Happy reading and safe living!