10 Tips To Keep Your Home And Family Safe

October is National Crime Prevention Month and is a time when communities across the country raise awareness about crime and what can be done to help prevent it. Did you know that in any given year, property crimes -- including burglary -- outnumber violent crimes almost 8 to 1? And statistics show that a burglar will spend 45 minutes deciding which home is going to be his next target but only three minutes actually burglarizing the residence.

With this in mind, the security experts at Schlage have come up with a Top 10 list of things you can do help to keep your family and home from becoming crime targets.

1. Make sure each exterior door has a solid core and is protected by a high-quality deadbolt, including the door linking the garage and house. Also, secure all windows with quality locks -- even those on the second floor.

2. Invest in a home-security system with central monitoring, and if you move into a home that already has a security system, change the entry code.

3. Keep your property well lit at night and install motion sensors on exterior lights. The last thing a burglar wants is a spotlight shining on him as he creeps up to the house. Also keep your landscaping trimmed so shrubs don't hide your windows and consider planting prickly shrubbery near windows (think holly bushes).

4. Never leave your home unlocked and don’t “hide” spare keys outside -- crooks will find them. Even better, consider installing a keypad lock on your front door so you don’t have to worry about keys. While we’re talking about the outside, remember to use a padlock or cable lock to secure gates and fences around your home.

5. Working parents with latchkey kids should consider a remote entry/home-management system that lets you use your cell phone to monitor cameras at home, unlock doors, turn lights on and off and receive text alerts when the kids come home from school.

6. If you’re going away, even for a few days, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house and collect newspapers and mail (or have deliveries stopped until you return). Also, put a few lights on timers so it looks like someone is home.

7. Don’t let your kids play alone outside or in public places.

8. Never put your child’s name on clothes, jewelry, hats, back packs and other belongings that people can readily see.

9. Teach your children to never say “I am home alone” when they answer the phone. Tell them to let the answering machine pick up or say “my mom and dad are busy and can’t come to the phone.”

10. If your child rides a bike to school, make sure he or she has a high-quality bike lock and remind him/her to attach the bike to a secure object (like a bike rack).

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3