MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015
 If you own a home, then you probably know that burglaries are a threat. But how can you protect your home against intruders?
To determine how secure your home is, think like a thief. From the outside of your home, consider how difficult it would be to break in.
- Is your door metal or solid wood construction?
- Are all doorframes strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading?
- Can the lock mechanism be reached through a mail slot, delivery port or pet entrance doorway?
- Can the front entrance be observed from street or public areas?
- Are exterior entrances or front entrance lighted with a minimum 40-watt bulb?
- Do doorways and windows have a screen or storm door with adequate locks?
- Do any upper floor windows open onto areas, such as roofs, that offer special risk of burglary?
- Are exterior areas of doors and windows free from concealing structure or landscaping?
- Is the outside utility entrance to the garage as secure as required for any ground floor entrance?
- Do you leave windows open at night or when you're away?
- Is your garage door left unlocked, even for short periods?
Also:
- Your house keys and car keys should not be on the same key ring.
- Do you display valuables to strangers who may have a view into your home through a window?
- Do you talk about vacation plans in public places, such as the beauty shop, shopping mall or car rental office?
- Don't rely too much on your dog. A good guard dog will alert you when an unfamiliar person enters the property. Some professional burglars, however, carry delectable "dog snacks" in their pockets and with a full stomach; some dogs make friends easily and forget guarding the premises.
- Make sure that your home's address is visible for police, firemen and paramedics to easily identify your home but don't post your family name on your mailbox or on you house. A burglar can call directory assistance to get your telephone number and call your home while in front of your house to confirm that you are away.
- Keep all gates in the fence around your house locked at all times. Locked gates (especially tall ones and tall fences) might possibly make it harder for a potential intruder to enter your premises.
If any of these precautions are not currently being taken, then there is a good chance that your home's security could be improved.
For more information on protecting your home against burglars, click here.
A good home insurance policy can help protect you financially should a burglary happen in your home. Call Colgrove Financial at (480) 830-2595 for more information on Phoenix home insurance.
(Article courtesy: Burglary Prevention Council)
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