Home Security: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your home is meant to be your sanctuary. Feeling safe and secure within the walls of your house can be taken for granted until something happens. It is easy to make serious home security mistakes that compromise the safety of your home and family. Break-ins can happen anytime and anywhere, even to the most cautious people.

Take a look around your home and see if you are making any of these common mistakes, then take the necessary steps to correct the issues.

1. Why have home security systems if you don�t use them? It only takes a few minutes for a burglar to break into your house. When in doubt, leave your smart home systems on because, as the saying goes, it�s better to be safe than sorry.

2. When it comes to outsmarting potential burglars, think outside the box. Storing precious items under a bed or in a drawer is too obvious. Instead, put them somewhere unconventional, but in a place you will not forget and possibly set off your burglar alarm.

3. The old adage holds true here: the company you keep is important. Never allow entry inside the home to someone that you have not requested in advance. This can open your home to potential burglars. A classic ploy is someone posing as a meter reader or service representative from a reputable company. Once inside, there is no telling what damage could result. The person may distract you and steal something valuable, or just look the place over carefully in order to be able to stage a successful raid later. Bottom line: check the credentials of every person who tries to enter your home and do not allow anyone inside until they prove they have a good reason for being there. If something seems fishy, review the footage from the video surveillance system.

4. Many home-owners skimp on insurance, thinking �it will never happen to me.� Theft insurance or burglar insurance can be fairly comprehensive, offering protection to home appliances, furniture and other valuable from burglary or loss accompanied by violent entry to your premises. Without this insurance, home-owners run the risk of losing valuables in the event of a break-in. Talk to an insurance agent about finding a reasonable residential security policy that works for you.

5. Don�t skimp on your home security system. Your family�s safety is well worth the extra investment when considering which security system is best for you.

6. Don�t leave valuables in open areas. Simply moving your laptop away from the window will reduce temptation. If the burglar cannot see your valuables, they may be less likely to break in.

Dave Barnes of Safety Services, Inc., a Cincinnati-based provider of home security and theater system products and installation.