Home Security

Keeping your home secure is not hard to do. Most home security strategies are easy and don't cost a lot of money. When you think about home security take your house, yard and even your neighborhood into account. Pay close attention to the vulnerable areas. A good rule of thumb is if you can break into your home without much trouble, then so can a burglar!

Neighbors that work together at keeping their properties neat and well maintained send a silent but strong message that they care about what happens on their street. Take a look at your neighborhood as a might see it and decide if it gives you a sense of safety and well being.

Also consider how your neighbors interact with one another. When neighbors talk to each other barriers are broken down, People feel safer and there is more willingness to work together. A good observant neighbor can be a great deterrent to crime.

Answer the following questions and see how your street measures up. The more questions that are answered "yes," the safer the street.

1. Do you and your neighbors trim back trees when they are overgrown and hinder street illumination?
2. Is your street free from litter and garbage?
3. Are sidewalks maintained?
4. Do you call the police about abandoned cars in your neighborhood?
5. Do your neighbors look out for each other?
6. Do you leave an extra house key with a trusted neighbor instead of under a mat or other hiding place that can easily be discovered?
7. Do you have an active block watch to help communication among neighbors?
8. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?

Consider having a summer cookout/pot luck dinner with your neighbors to make new friendships, exchange information, and maintain a sprit of cooperation.