New Home: First Things First
Through all the excitement surrounding the move into a new home, people often get too tied up in picking out decorations instead of taking simple steps toward home security from day one. The following tips will help you prioritize your preparation for a new home.
* Change the locks. This is a fairly inexpensive step. It should be completed immediately after closing on the house. You don't want to place any valuables in the home before getting rid of the old locks, to which former owners might still have the keys.
* Before spending even one night in your new home, make sure you are prepared for emergencies. You should at least have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to have candles and flashlights in case of a power outage.
* Buy only the necessities at first. There is no need for a high-powered juicer or coffee table books until you have everything you need to get by. A microwave takes precedence over a Blu-ray player. A bed comforter comes before throw pillows. Everyday plates and stemware over fancy china. You get the point.
* If the previous owner did not leave behind any blinds, go ahead and purchase some to ensure your privacy while you are still settling in. The neighbors shouldn't be able to look in and see your mattress on the floor because your box spring hasn't arrived yet. Or worse, potential burglars shouldn't get a sneak peek at what's inside either.
* As you begin to acquire and move in more valuable objects, it would be wise to invest in a home security system. These systems are easy to use and help protect your home not only against break-ins, but also against fires and carbon monoxide. Even if you don't place much value in your possessions, a home alarm also serves to protect you and your family.
* Spare keys will be needed in order to prevent having to call the locksmith when locked out, which will undoubtedly happen at some point. Nearby family members are the best bets. Supply them with the code for your home alarm as well, in case of emergency. Don't have a nearby family member and aren't yet willing to entrust a neighbor with a key? Find a discrete hiding place for the spare key.
* Find out if your area participates in a neighborhood crime watch program or anything similar. These programs are known to keep crime rates lower than average. If there's not one, trying sparking some interest within the community or start your own.
Again, moving into a new home can be an exciting process, but it is important to focus on making sure your home is safe from the very beginning. These steps will help you reduce safety risks.
* Change the locks. This is a fairly inexpensive step. It should be completed immediately after closing on the house. You don't want to place any valuables in the home before getting rid of the old locks, to which former owners might still have the keys.
* Before spending even one night in your new home, make sure you are prepared for emergencies. You should at least have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to have candles and flashlights in case of a power outage.
* Buy only the necessities at first. There is no need for a high-powered juicer or coffee table books until you have everything you need to get by. A microwave takes precedence over a Blu-ray player. A bed comforter comes before throw pillows. Everyday plates and stemware over fancy china. You get the point.
* If the previous owner did not leave behind any blinds, go ahead and purchase some to ensure your privacy while you are still settling in. The neighbors shouldn't be able to look in and see your mattress on the floor because your box spring hasn't arrived yet. Or worse, potential burglars shouldn't get a sneak peek at what's inside either.
* As you begin to acquire and move in more valuable objects, it would be wise to invest in a home security system. These systems are easy to use and help protect your home not only against break-ins, but also against fires and carbon monoxide. Even if you don't place much value in your possessions, a home alarm also serves to protect you and your family.
* Spare keys will be needed in order to prevent having to call the locksmith when locked out, which will undoubtedly happen at some point. Nearby family members are the best bets. Supply them with the code for your home alarm as well, in case of emergency. Don't have a nearby family member and aren't yet willing to entrust a neighbor with a key? Find a discrete hiding place for the spare key.
* Find out if your area participates in a neighborhood crime watch program or anything similar. These programs are known to keep crime rates lower than average. If there's not one, trying sparking some interest within the community or start your own.
Again, moving into a new home can be an exciting process, but it is important to focus on making sure your home is safe from the very beginning. These steps will help you reduce safety risks.
