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Home Security And Protection Tips From ADT

Almost every home in every neighborhood is a target for burglary. Justice Department statistics say that an average family has a one-in-four chance of being the victim of a serious crime each year, and every 11 seconds a home is burglarized. But don't forget, securing your home always means protecting your family from the "unseen enemies" such as fire, smoke and carbon monoxide. To fully protect your home and family, be sure to set up mechanisms for identifying these dangers and alerting you to them. With over 125 years of experience in home security and protection, ADT suggests the following tips to help secure your home.

Close and lock your doors and windows!

Most burglaries happen through unlocked or open windows and doors because it guarantees quick entry. Be sure to close and lock all your doors and windows, including using deadbolts. In addition, the FBI reports that most home burglaries occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., so be sure to get into the habit of always locking your doors and windows whenever you go out - even if you're just running out for a few minutes. Plus, don't leave your keys in mailboxes, under doormats or above doorways - don't make it easy for burglars to get into your home.

Don't let strangers into your home.

Install peepholes so you can first identify visitors - don't just rely on door safety chains as they can be broken. In addition, ask for identification from all service representatives, especially if you're not expecting them.

Light up your home.

Ensure that you have appropriate lighting for your home and outdoor areas. Lighting is one of the most cost-effective deterrents to burglary as it gives the impression that a home is occupied as well as exposed outdoor hiding areas. In addition to keeping your home well lit, invest in motion-detecting outdoor floodlights around your home.

Protect your doors.

Protect your doors with dead bolt locks. FBI statistics show that 80 percent of all break-ins are through a door. Secure all your sliding glass doors with a metal bar or wooden dowel placed in the door track.

Fire and Smoke Safety

  • Test your fire and smoke detectors every few months.
  • Develop an evacuation plan for your family and ensure your children are familiar with it.
  • Install fire extinguishers at every level of your home.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector and test the batteries frequently.
  • Check your heating system for any carbon monoxide emissions before the heating season begins.
  • Periodically check kitchen ranges, fireplaces, chimneys and water heaters for carbon monoxide emissions.
  • Never run your car in a garage or a closed area - even if it's just for a few minutes.

Protect your valuables.

Don't leave valuables in sight through windows where burglars can see them. Plus, mark your valuables with an identification number - use an etching pen or call your local police department for additional information. Once you've marked all your valuables, make an inventory and keep the list in a safe place.

Maintain your lawn.

Maintain your yard and shrubs so your landscaping provides maximum visibility to and from your home. Additionally, trim tree limbs that could help thieves climb into windows and keep yard fencing low so criminals don't have anywhere to hide.

Neighborhood Watch Program.

Check and see if there's a Neighborhood Watch program you can join, or if you can start one. This program, as well as getting to know your neighbors, is a great way to get more people to help watch and protect your home and family - and keep you updated on any unknown dangers in your community!

Make your home appear active when you're away from home.

Burglars target your home when they think it's empty - so the easiest way to thwart them is to make your home appear busy and lived-in. Here are some easy ways to make your home appear inhabited, especially when you're traveling:

  • Use timers to turn on and off lights, televisions and sound systems at different times to give your home a "lived-in look."
  • Never leave an answering machine message indicating you're not home.
  • Don't let mail, newspapers or flyers accumulate. Get trusted neighbors or friends to pick these up, or the post office to hold mail.
  • To burglars, an empty trash can mean you're away. Keep some trash on hand or have a trusted neighbor set out trash for pick-up.
  • Leave your curtains slightly parted so your house doesn't have an empty look.
  • Be sure to leave a car in your driveway while you're away.
  • Have someone mow your lawn, rake leaves and shovel snow if you're out of town.

Invest in a home security system.

Alarm systems are an effective deterrent. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nine out of ten convicted burglars agreed they'd avoid a house protected by an alarm system. While the 24/7 electronic monitoring provides a powerful means of protecting your home and family, security system signs and decals are equally effective. In addition, if you have a home security system, make sure you continually use it - according to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not turned on.

ADT is part of the Coldwell Banker Concierge Program, which offers consumers quality products and services to enhance their home. For more information, please contact your local Coldwell Banker office.

The foregoing is material provided by ADT; it does not express the views of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation.

If you can't find what you're looking for here, please or call 800-261-SOLD (7653) with any questions you might have.

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