There’s nothing quite as unnerving as the possibility of a break-in. While it’s certainly anxiety-provoking to think about someone breaking into your home, it’s important to consider how you can reduce your risk and, in turn, increase your peace of mind. In this post, we’ll discuss six common home security vulnerabilities that can increase your risk of a break-in.
As you’ll learn in more detail below, changing your locks and investing in door repair services are two easy ways to boost your home’s protection. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Fort McMurray Locksmith and ask about our locksmith services!
Have You Left Your Home Vulnerable?
Hiding Keys in Obvious Places
First and foremost, never hide a key in an obvious place such as under your doormat or inside of a fake rock. Burglars know what to look for and could easily make a copy of the key in a matter of hours. If you need to let someone outside of your household with easy access in, consider giving them your garage door entry code or making a physical key to give them. If you choose the latter, be sure to get the key back and read our last tip for additional advice!
Keeping Valuables in Plain View
Do you store valuables such as jewelry, fine art, computers, and other big-ticket items in areas that are easy to see from outside your home? You may want to rethink your decor. When burglars case homes, they’re looking for easy access to valuable items that could be resold without much trouble. Store small items in a safe if possible, and if you can’t rearrange your entire home, consider partially closing your blinds to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside.
Sharing Vacation Photos
There’s almost nothing that isn’t made public through social media these days, vacations included. Unfortunately, thieves are just as tech-savvy — if not more so — than the average user, and they’ll often wait for confirmation that a homeowner is enjoying their beachside vacation before breaking in. We understand that it’s tempting to share your travels with your friends and family, but we recommend waiting until you’re back home to post the pictures.
Second-Story Entry Points
Many homeowners are extremely diligent about locking doors and windows on the main level, but forget or aren’t as concerned about second-story entry points. After all, wouldn’t it be a bit of a burden — or incredibly difficult — to climb all the way up to a second-story window or balcony?
That’s exactly what burglars count on you to think.
Second-story windows are often left open overnight, outfitted with fans or air conditioners, or are near easy-to-climb trees or walls. In other words, practice the same level of security hygiene throughout your entire home to lower your chances of a break-in.
Damaged Doors
Many homes in the Fort McMurray area were built years ago and, as a result, could benefit from a few repairs and replacements. If your door’s handle sticks, has trouble locking, or isn’t properly aligned with the frame, it could make it easier for someone to force it open. Investing in door repairs through a company like Fort McMurray locksmith is a smart and affordable way to improve one of your home’s most vulnerable access points!
Unchanged Keys
If you’ve just moved into a new home, lost your keys, given copies to service providers, or simply haven’t rekeyed in years, it’s a good idea to contact a local locksmith to have them rekey your locks. The locking mechanism will be changed to prevent the old key from working, and you’ll be provided with a new key that does. In general, rekeying is a great way to ensure that you and your family are the only ones who have keys to the home.
Contact Fort McMurray Locksmith
We hope that this post will help you keep your home safe and secure throughout the rest of 2021 and well into the future. If you have any questions about the resources we’ve provided, or if you would like to learn more about our locksmith services, just give us a call or get in touch with us through our website.
We look forward to helping you boost your home’s security!