The weather conditions during the summer season encourage homeowners to naturally become a bit lackadaisical with their home security. Opening doors and windows for that summer breeze and causally straying over to neighbors houses, all the while, leaving their home at risk for a break-in. Homeowners can protect summer fun, personal possessions and family members with several easy security precautions.
Summer home safety checklist:
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Summer security: In warmer months, we tend to see a spike in property crimes. Take the time to prepare for summer security and avoid the mess of a break-in.
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Summertime maintenance for your home: Basic home maintenance can act as a natural deterrent to burglars. Performing basic tasks such as lawn maintenance can help remove hiding spots for a would-be intruder.
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Summer safety for kids and home: Summertime is a favorite for kids because they often get a lengthy break from school. However, this means you will have the added responsibility of making sure your kids are protected at home. Take the time to prep for summer safety for kids.
About 1.4 million burglaries occurred in 2017, and more than two in three break-ins were of residential properties, according to FBI data.
Cove, a home security firm, surveyed nearly 1,000 people who have experienced a break-in at least once to learn more about how burglars entered the home and what they wished they had done in hindsight to better protect their property.
Home invasions aren’t always random. Studies show that many break-ins are committed by a person who lives within two miles of the property.
A broken window tended to be the most common point of entry for a burglar. The following chart breaks down how burglars most often gained access to a home.
How Burglars Most Often Enter a Home
The average dollar value of stolen items from a break-in was $1,839.55, according to the study. Respondents say they were able to recover an average of about 22% of the items stolen during their break-ins.
“Research conducted with convicted home invaders shows burglars typically avoid breaking into homes they consider more complicated,” researchers note. “While an active alarm system is likely to deter a break-in, so are big dogs that might be considered aggressive or likely to defend the home.”
Summer Security Tips
Take a close look at your home. Are you really ready for summer? As you inspect for summer security, think about all the extra concerns you’ll have with kids at home. Try out the following tips to improve your home’s summer security.
- Install a secure area for outdoor valuables: Put in a shed or install a secure area to lock up those bikes and skateboards.
- Put in a security camera: A security camera can help alleviate some stress by providing you with an extra set of eyes (although not in the back of your head) which will allow you to check in on the kids from time to time.
- Use ADT Pulse® to receive notifications: Using ADT Pulse, you can receive notifications informing you when kids make it home or leave for their next summertime adventure. Make summer security a priority and be ready before the summer vacation craziness gets started.
Summer Maintenance Tips
Summer brings green grass and tall hedges. Take the time to perform some basic home maintenance tasks and help keep your home protected.
- Inspect all points of entry: Make sure all door locks are functioning properly and all windows latch correctly. Repair any damage or broken latches.
- Check all lighting: Are all motion lights in working order? Make sure all pathways are well-lit and shine a light on all points of entry.
- Keep lawn maintained: Keeping your lawn mowed and hedges trimmed provides a natural line of sight into your home, which helps deter burglary.
- Check for water damage: Water damage can cause areas to rot and become unsafe. Make sure the spring thaw doesn’t bring unwanted damage.
Maintaining your home is one of the simplest ways to deter crime.
Summer Safety for Kids
One of the most important things you can do for your children to help keep them safe is to talk to them about personal safety. Sit your kids down and have a serious conversation about home safety. Remind them of the following home safety tips:
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Shut and lock doors and windows when inside: Basic home security like shutting and locking doors is a good place to start with home safety.
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Don’t open the door for anyone they don’t know: Kids can be trusting or feel like they need to open a door if an adult is on the other side. Remind your kids that they shouldn’t open the door for anyone they don’t know.
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Avoid publicly discussing travel and stay-at-home arrangements: Don’t advertise on social media if your kids are home alone.
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How to reach the proper authorities: Tell your children when it’s appropriate to call emergency services. Also, give them the info they will need to easily reach the proper authority.
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Secure valuables appropriately: Kids love to show off their high-priced toys to impress friends, but remind them that not everyone will respect their property and they should keep electronics and other valuables secured.
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Be aware of their surroundings: Paying attention to surroundings is an easy way to practice personal safety. Remind them to avoid situations that make them feel uncomfortable.
It’s never too early to start talking to your kids about home safety.
Summer can be full of fun. Take the necessary home safety precautions now so that you can be worry-free when it’s time for vacation.
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