As the days become shorter and we start looking forward to fall, it’s important to be vigilant with home and personal security.
1. Lights
Since the days are getting shorter, it’s starting to get dark earlier. Burglars love to do their business under the cover of darkness. Make sure the outside of your home is well lit – not just the front, but the rear and sides too. Use programmable lights (especially when you are away). If you already use programmable lights, make sure to reprogram so they turn on earlier than they do in the summer months.
2. Social Media Posts
Social media is an amazing tool for communicating and staying in touch with family and friends, but your posts could provide too much information to the wrong people. If you plan on traveling this fall (even if it’s local), it’s best to not post your plans or pictures of the trip until you are safely back home. Also, be sure your social media accounts are set to private so only your friends or followers can see your posts.
3. Don’t Open The Door To Strangers (An Oldie But Still Goodie)
You’ve most likely told your kids not to open the door to strangers, but you likely open the door to someone that knocks. It is considered the polite thing to do, but letting someone see your home and who resides inside, is not something a stranger needs to know. Especially now with the COVID pandemic, it’s best to let unwanted visitors’ knocks go unanswered.
4. Lock All Doors And Windows
Believe it or not, most home intrusions occur through unlocked doors and window. So you may be well aware of this step, but, sadly, many people don’t abide by it. If you’ve been enjoying the fresh fall air, always remember to close the door or window and lock it up before leaving or going to sleep. Also, emphasize this important home security tip to your children, too.
5. Put Tools Away
Always remember to put ALL your tools away when you’re finished – after raking or moving a lawn, cleaning gutters, or doing fall repairs to your home. This will prevent them from being stolen AND from being used by miscreants to break into your home (e.g. a ladder left alongside the house is a very helpful tool that an intruder can use).
