Maybe it is due to the fact that we live in one of the safest cities in the world that we tend to take for granted the security of our homes. I am sure back home, most of us are more careful, but while in Dubai we tend just to forget. Now that many of us are going on holidays (yey!) and will be traveling back and forth we thought it was good to do a list of home security tips to keep our homes-sweet-homes safe. Think of your Dubai home and your home country home. Both need protection at the end of the day!
Security is one aspect of our homes that we should never overlook. We need to constantly evaluate and improve upon so there are fewer chances of being “the lucky one” who gets robbed or worst, gets attacked by the robbers. Mr. Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Middle East & Africa at Ring is sharing his list of home security tips.
HOME SECURITY TIPS
There are some common mistakes that homeowners commit when it comes to home security. We need to avoid those mistakes and follow these tips to make sure your home is always secure and your family is always safe.
SECURITY MISTAKES
1. Hiding a Spare Key Outside
This should go without saying, but you should never leave a spare key outside your home. Experienced home intruders will know all the common hiding places, so just avoid it altogether. If you are in need of a backup plan to enter your house, consider giving a spare key to a trusted friend or a neighbor or consider purchasing smart door locks. They will allow you to remotely open your door, even if you can’t find your keys.
Don’t know what a smart door lock is? Check this one we found on Amazon. There is a lot of options and some work with Alexa (Google).
2. Leaving Doors and Windows Unlocked
This may seem like a no-brainer but we still might forget, so that is why it is in the list of mistakes. For example, during a hot summer, you may decide to leave a few windows slightly opened while you’re out of the house. Or if you’re in a hurry because you are late for your plane, you might leave the house without locking the door.
Needless to say that leaving your doors and windows unlocked is an open invitation to home intruders, so always double-check them before leaving the house. If you decide to get smart locks, you can also use your smartphone to make sure your doors are locked while you’re away.
3. Not Securing Your Garage Door
In addition to doors and windows, your garage is one of the most vulnerable areas of your property. Many garage doors are electronically controlled by universal remotes. And you know? They can be easily opened by other modified remotes. So, never leave your garage door opener or remote in plain sight, and always secure your garage with a heavy-duty padlock or an automated garage-door lock, which will automatically lock your garage as soon as it closes.
HOME SECURITY TIPS
4. Having Poor Outdoor Lighting
A home invader wants to get in and out of your house as quickly and covertly as possible. Because of this, a home with a dark front or back garden will be their preferred target. Make sure there are no blind spots on the outside of your home. Get a light for your front porch that stays on all night, or put in place some motion-activated floodlights around your property like these ones -> Ring Floodlight Cam | HD Security Camera with Built-in Floodlights, Two-Way Talk and Siren Alarm
5. Providing Hiding Spots for Home Intruders
We love gardens around our homes. They are beautiful, relaxing and trees, and thick shrubbery provide some extra privacy. Unfortunately, they also provide great hiding spots for intruders. If your entire front garden is visible from the street, a home invader will most likely think twice before trying to break-in as they could easily get caught.
How can we enjoy our gardens and make sure they don’t become a security hazard? Just keep the plants in your garden trimmed and use accent lights and floodlights to expose dark areas.
6. Posting Your Plans on Social Media
Everybody knows social media can be good or bad, depending on the use. But think that here we are not only referring to only your use, but the people seeing your content too.
We should never be too trustworthy of your “friends” on social media. There are terrible horror stories of people announcing their plans online and getting robbed by people in their social networks.
Be cautious, wait until you return from your trip before talking about it on social media, and if you absolutely need to share your plans, do it with a private group of people you can trust. Remember in Facebook you can share to the world or to only a circle of friends. You have also WhatsApp and other social media that will allow you to select who you are sharing your info with.
7. Having No Security Visible Outside
Robbers will know of all the latest security devices, and they’ll avoid homes if they know that they have effective security solutions in place. Sometimes, even just a security sign can deter a thief from breaking in, so get your devices set up, and make sure home intruders know that your home is properly protected.
Check this simple to use surveillance camera that will connect with your phone while you are away. YI Dome Camera 1080p HD Wireless IP Security Surveillance Night Vision – Black US Edition. There are plenty of other alternatives and it will all depend on your property. So, check these Ring products. They look great and are super effective. All-new Ring Stick Up Cam Wired HD Security Camera with Two-Way Talk, White
or Ring Spotlight Cam Battery HD Security Camera with Built Two-Way Talk and a Siren Alarm, White
.
We know some homeowners will try to save money by mounting fake security cameras around the house. But let´s face it, thieves might be professional and they might know better than you about the fake and ineffective devices in the market.
Home security is something you should never short-change, but there are ways to save money on effective home security solutions. With smart, Wi-Fi-connected security devices, you’ll always have home security at your fingertips, and you can respond to and prevent suspicious activity as it happens.
And a last piece of advice, have handy the Police and Emergency telephone numbers. Hopefully, you never need them but it is good to know that you can dial them directly from your phone.
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