| When thinking about home security, many people | | | | considerable investment. One point, though, to |
| assume that means burglar alarm systems and | | | | remember is that the surveillance system that's not |
| nothing more. Alarm systems are a good way to | | | | also connected to an alarm system will only be helpful |
| maintain a safe and secure home, but they are only | | | | after the fact. It will not prevent the intrusion, |
| one of many home security tools. An alarm system is | | | | though it may help get the intruder arrested later on. |
| only effective when a homeowner also takes some | | | | Your dog could be important to your home security |
| seemingly obvious precautions. | | | | as well. Trained guard dogs are very effective at |
| Windows are a common entry point for burglars. | | | | discouraging burglars and vandals. And they're |
| They can be the most vulnerable part of your home | | | | portable! You can take your guard dog with you for |
| security system. Homes with poorly constructed or | | | | personal protection as well. But remember, a trained |
| poorly installed windows are inevitably the target of | | | | guard dog can be expensive, and it may not be safe |
| experienced burglars. To know your windows are | | | | for your children. Like any dog, you must always be |
| secure, make sure they have strong glass and | | | | sure to leave plenty of food and fresh water for |
| properly fitting locks. And remember to lock your | | | | your guard dog. |
| windows before you leave the house. An unlocked | | | | You can also rely on less well-trained, but equally |
| window is the sure way to waste every dime you | | | | imposing large dog breeds to protect your home. It |
| spend on an elaborate home security system. | | | | may be the same breed as the formally-trained guard |
| Your doors are the second most vulnerable part of | | | | dog, but it's a family pet whose love for you and |
| your home security system. They must be | | | | your children are you main protection. Good breeds |
| constructed of strong, durable materials, secured by | | | | for this purpose include German and Belgian |
| tough locks that can't be forced easily. Dead bolts | | | | Shepherds, Doberman, Akita, Bouvier des Flandres, |
| are great unless the door frame is poorly installed or | | | | Pitt Bull Terrier, Rottweiller, American Bulldog, Mastiff, |
| made of soft, easily damaged lumber. | | | | and Giant Schnauzer. |
| If you keep a spare key for accidental lock-outs, be | | | | The pinnacle of the effective home security system |
| absolutely sure to hide it in a place no one would | | | | is a good burglar alarm. Their great value lies in |
| think of. Many a homeowner leaves their spare key | | | | prevention. The screaming alarm usually scares a |
| on the top of the door frame or under their | | | | burglar away. And most security service companies |
| welcome mat. Big mistake. Be cautious about using | | | | provide signs and window decals to inform potential |
| fake rocks or yard ornaments as hiding places, too, | | | | intruders that an alarm protects the home. The |
| as every burglar knows that's why they were | | | | market offers a wide range of designs, features, and |
| created! | | | | technology in burglar alarms, so you'll need to know |
| One other important tip about keys. Losing your | | | | what you need, how much you can afford to pay, |
| keys is a common and costly mistake, especially | | | | and which systems best meet your requirements |
| when you have your home address or information | | | | before you make the purchase. |
| that might reveal your home address on the key ring. | | | | Remember, though, that even the best and most |
| Some modern homeowners rely on home surveillance | | | | technologically-advanced home security burglar alarm |
| systems that allow them to monitor their homes | | | | system will fail if you leave a window unlocked or |
| from other locations. These systems are great for | | | | have low-quality windows and doors. Home security |
| recording activity and storing it for later viewing if | | | | is more than a system. It's solid construction, durable |
| there is a security breach. They're particularly valuable | | | | materials, and homeowner vigilance. |
| for people that travel frequently, since they involve a | | | | |