6 Ways to Increase the Security of Your New Home
November 10, 2009 – 11:21 pm
Buying a new home can be a burden on your wallet, so after you move into it, you might not have much cash leftover. However, there are some budget friendly ways to increase the security and safety of your new home. Making a few adjustments can help you feel more secure, and you can still save up for those essentials such as a new heat and air conditioning system or updated appliances.
- The first order of business is to change the locks on your new home. The previous owners could have an extra key or maybe one of the neighbors has one. You don’t want to take your chances. In order to decrease this expense, purchase the locks at a local home improvement store and install them yourself. If you don’t have deadbolt locks, take this opportunity to buy and install them.
- Next, install a peephole in your door if you don’t already have one. Now when someone, possibly a new neighbor, knocks on your door, you will be able to see who it is and if they’re carrying anything with them. If you have children, this can prevent them from opening the door to strangers.
- Reset any programmable locks. For example, if your garage or shed has a keypad, change the numerical password. Avoid using obvious dates or numbers such as your birthday or social security number.
- Double check all of the locks on your windows to see if they are functioning properly. At least replace or fix the locking mechanisms that are broken. Then in a year or two you can assess whether or not you need to replace or update all of the windows.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of the house. With a new home, it’s hard to tell what is ready to break or you might not know all of the quirks yet. When you’re using a new stove or hot water heater, there is always a chance of accidents happening so be prepared for them.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit and place it in an accessible area. You should take time to put this kit together even if you don’t have all of your belongings unpacked, because you never know when a natural disaster or other emergency will strike.
Moving into a new home is sure to bring new adventures, but at least take the time and money to secure it as much as you can. Even if you can set aside a hundred dollars to setup outdoor and indoor security lighting, you are making a difference.
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