Protecting Your Home From the Outside
By Marlene Gundlach | July 14, 2008
Just as you can defend your from the inside, you can also do things on the outside of your house to help dissuade intruders.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting is important for a variety of reasons. It makes your home less attractive to burglars during the night. It also makes it easier to find your keys and makes the areas around your home more safe when you arrive home after dark. Built-in motion sensors on lighting will save on electricity, and they also may startle an intruder when he approaches your home.
Timers on lights also ensure they go on even when you are away from home. Illuminate doorways, the front of the garage, and sidewalks leading up to your home. Set up your lighting so that you can see at least 50 feet outward from your home. If you have an electrical box on the outside of your home, consider securing it with a lock or moving it indoors. Criminals can get into these boxes and cut wires, turning off your protective lighting.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are not just for businesses. Installing cameras on the main entry ways not only gives you a good view of who is outside your home, it may even deter a would-be intruder. If there is a break-in when you are away from home, the cameras may help lead the police to who committed the crime. There are several different types of cameras:
- Bullet Cameras: Most popular and versatile camera. View footage on a monitor within the house.
- Dome Cameras: Most commonly installed on ceilings. View footage on a monitor within the house.
- IP Cameras: Allows you to view footage over the internet from a remote location.
- Fake Cameras: A cheaper alternative to make people believe they are under surveillance.
Some systems come with digital video recorders to record what is happening while you are away. Just like with a security system, you can also put up signs or decals that warn others that cameras are in use, another good way to scare away intruders before they think about hitting your house.
Plants and Bushes
Plants and bushes make your home look beautiful from the outside, but they can provide hiding places for intruders. Large bushes flanking your entryway are the perfect place for someone to hide and wait for your arrival. They can also hinder your line of sight, making it difficult to check the perimeter from the safety of your home. Placing large plants and bushes further away from your entryways and away from windows will keep them from impeding your safety.
Accessibility of Windows
Windows that are easily accessed from the ground level should be secured at all times. This doesn’t mean that a would-be burglar will not attempt to climb up to a second level to access those windows, so keeping all widows secured is important. Basement windows are also vulnerable. These windows are low to the ground and make them less visible from the street or from a neighboring house, which make them an attractive option to criminals. Be sure these windows are locked and sturdy enough to prevent a break-in.
Fencing
If you are putting up fencing around your property, the taller the better. This way, intruders can not see over the fence to stake out your property. It will also be more difficult to climb, especially with an armful of stolen goods. Gates should always be locked, and adding an additional padlock while on vacation is also recommended. Sheds should also be secured, since these are prime locations for burglars to look for lawn equipment and bicycles.
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