DIY projects to make your home more secure
BY ARA
Monday, October 01, 2012
If spring makes our thoughts turn to love, the cooler temperatures of fall make many of us think about nesting and how much more we would love our home if we improved it a little. A sense of security is one of the most comforting aspects of home, so this autumn, why not focus on home improvements that can make your home more secure?
Improving the safety of your home doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming proposition. Here are four simple do-it-yourself projects that can help make your house safer:
1. De-clutter, inside and out.
Most home improvement projects are either about creating space or improving the usability of existing spaces. De-cluttering inside your home can open up rooms and offer more flexibility in how you use and decorate the space. Outside, de-clutter around access points. Shrubs, trees and debris that obscure your windows and doors can provide cover for burglars.
2. Upgrade your appliances.
While a new dishwasher or clothes dryer may make your life easier, when it comes to improving security, think about upgrading appliances like your home security system.
Another appliance that can aid in your security is a paper shredder. Bizarre as it may sound, identity thieves have been known to pick through trash and reassemble poorly shredded documents. Fall is a great time to invest in a cross-cut shredder that will make such an identity theft tactic virtually impossible.
3. Lock it up
The dog sitter, babysitter, house cleaner, house sitter — how many people have had access to a key to your home in the past year? It’s prudent to switch out the locks in your home every now and then, especially if you have reason to believe your security might have been compromised. It’s even easier to lock up sensitive personal information. Invest in a locking file cabinet or fireproof lock box to store important documents.
Simple, cost-effective steps can help improve your home’s security. The key is to be proactive and focus on preventing a problem rather than just repairing damage after it occurs.
