Home security is a constant worry, especially as more families have two working adults who are away at work most of the time. It could help if adequate precautions are taken to ensure that the house is indeed secure. The lighting should be adequate, at the same time, not be an irritation to your neighbors.

Types Of Home Security Lighting To Choose

There is a wide choice available to suit every budget. It is essential to fix light fixtures at least 8 feet high, so that they cannot be easily tampered with. Remember, home security is complimented by excellent security lighting.

Exterior Lighting

There are passive infrared motion detectors that light up when movement is detected. These lights have to be carefully selected and the PIR devices need to be placed in such a way that they do not light up each time your neighbor moves around his house! These PIR devices could activate even when animals move around. However, in general, they are useful as they light up areas alerting owners about a possible break-in, thus a must to improve home security. Post lantern sensors, flood light sensors, box mount sensors, and small swivel sensors are used to detect motion. Some people use a Dusk-to-Dawn photocell light where the property is lit the whole night. This could be a problem, since in case of a break-in, people may not know about it, as the lights stay on all night. But the best is the HI-low motion activated lighting, where the property is lit up all night with the lights illuminated at 20% of their wattage, but will light up with full intensity when motion is detected. Some people use solar powered floodlights with sensors, as they are so cost effective.

Interior Lighting

There are excellent choices available to help light up the interior of your home improving home security, as returning to a dark home can be daunting and unpleasant task to many. Timer activated lights can be useful especially while you are on a vacation. These timers can switch lights on and off in a random fashion giving any outsider an impression that the house is occupied. Some can be integrated with electronics such as TV or radio too. There are remote controlled lights that can be switched on, as you enter the drive using sophisticated remote controls that can be included in your key chain. Be sure you do not switch on just a single light in the living room while you are away. Do go for a secure timer system and well lit house both internally and externally, since they are sure deterrents to vandals and burglars. Select appropriate lighting to enhance your home security.

There have been many cases where people have spent tons of money getting the latest gizmos to ensure tight home security, but eventually failed in their motives, as their houses got easily robbed. They paid for not checking whether the structure of the house was secured and sturdy, and being overconfident about the home security system, thus committing careless mistakes, which proved to be very costly.

Doors And Windows

For total home security, all external doors have to be sturdy with dead bolts and padlocks installed in them. They have to be secured by a sturdy door, if they are not strong enough to withstand a shove or kick by burglars. Make sure that the strike plates are in place, ensure that the frame is strong with screws fitted tight and ensure that the hinges are on the inside of the door. In case the door opens outwards use non-removable pins on the hinges. Check to see if re-enforcers are installed around the doorknob and dead bolt to prevent it from giving away when the door is manhandled. If French doors are used use flush bolt or cane bolt locks to secure them. Glass doors and sliding glass doors need extra security using slide rod locks. Secure windows with track locks or cane bolt locks, dual screw window locks etc.

Burglar Alarms

These are great devices to alert perhaps the neighborhood when an unauthorized access is made to enter your house. Though expensive, it helps to scare away potential thieves due to the noise and fear of being captured. These alarms could be simple devices that just emit an alarm startling the thief and alerting the homeowner or could be sophisticated devices that are connected to the local authority. Sometimes people use the alarm to alert them by calling their cell phones when they are away from home. Some alarms are connected to the Internet and send emails to the homeowner who can access them from cell phones. Wired and wireless alarms have offered homeowners who are concerned about home security a wide choice of features, price and specifications. Be sure you choose a good alarm system that is fail-safe, reliable, and with good after sales service and friendly qualified staff to help you with installation. Be sure that you have pet proof motion detectors installed to prevent frequent false alarms.

Be sure that you are always careful, alert, and do not give burglars a chance, as you carelessly left the doors or windows unlocked. It will not only be a chance to loose your valuables but could also endanger those you love. Home security is necessary to ensure your safety, so do not compromise.

Many people do not get to spend quality time with their families, as they prefer to stay back at home since they fear breach of home security while on vacation. There are several basic things that can help secure your homes, permitting you to take a vacation without worrying about home security issues.

Tips For Securing Your House Before Leaving For A Vacation

•Be sure that all external doors are sturdy with good foolproof locks. Double check if all windows and doors are locked securely.

•Check to see if your home security system is fully functional and that any breach in security will trigger an alarm that will be promptly responded too.

•Be sure that your security lighting is set. Set a timer to operate your internal lights in a random fashion perhaps switching on a radio or fm to give the impression there is someone home. The timer could be set to go on and off in particular rooms just as when you are at home.

•Do not forget to lock the garage door before you leave.

•If possible try and get someone to stay in the house and get him or her familiar with the home security systems and alarms.
•If possible stop the delivery of newspaper, mail, milk etc. till your return or have a neighbor pick them up for you.

•Ensure that your garden is taken care of, while you are away; wilting and uncared for pots are a sure giveaway that the house is uncared for. You can use a sprinkler set on a timer to do the job.

•Have a word with your neighbor to look out for any trouble and give them your contact number in case of emergencies.

•It will be safer to leave a house with a good home security system installed. If you don’t have an adequate home security system, get one a few weeks prior to your trip to be able to learn how to program and operate it without any hitches. A reputed, reliable firm with good after sales service will be an ideal choice. Do comparison-shopping and do get quotes from different vendors and choose one who offers the best quality within your budget. Good systems will be an added advantage as insurance can be got at a discount on account of the home security system.

•Inform the police that you will be away and ask them to watch your house at regular intervals.

Be sure that your home is secure while you are away and enjoy your vacation without the stress of a vulnerable house.