Spring Cleaning: The Perfect Time to Assess Your Home Security Needs
Is the pollen gone yet?
Phew, that was a pretty horrible year for this yellow stuff in South Carolina! Now that it’s time to once again open windows and doors, let in the air (not pollen), right before we shut everyone down again for the summer heat… it’s also a perfect time to assess your home security needs as you’ll be spending time going through your home, inside and out.
When you do your spring cleaning, look for potential security issues. You know, two birds – one stone! 😉
Assessing your Home Security Needs During Spring Cleaning
Springtime cleaning is a great opportunity to evaluate your current security measures and identify areas that may need improvement. Why? You’ll be touching almost all your windows, doors (aka entry points), cameras, and systems as you clean and dust off the pollen that’s settled in all nooks and crannies. NOTE: This is even MORE important if you have a cleaning crew on retainer who regularly cleans your home – they might have inadvertently moved camera positions as they clean, touched sensors, or left doors and windows unlocked!
Finding Potential Home Security Risks During Spring Cleaning
- Doors and Windows
As mentioned above, check the locks on all doors and windows to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they’ve not been left unlocked by the cleaning crew. If you have any damaged locks or hardware, replace them immediately. - Outdoor Lighting
Evaluate your current outdoor lighting system to ensure that it is providing adequate illumination in the right spots. Consider installing additional lights or motion-sensor lights to deter potential intruders and to light up all areas of your front and backyard. - Landscaping
Check your landscaping to ensure that it is not providing cover for intruders. Trim back any overgrown bushes, shrubs or trees that could obscure the view of your home from the street, being sure to keep them trimmed all year. - Security System
Test your security system to make sure that it is functioning properly. If you are our customer, we are happy to help you do this. Besides testing in the spring, also test before a major hurricane. If you don’t have a security system, consider installing one to protect your home and family and to monitor from afar when needed. - Emergency Preparedness
Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace them if necessary. Review your emergency preparedness plan with your family to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. This is especially needed when you have children, have elderly parents who live with you, and when you live in a hurricane-prone zone. - Valuables
Take inventory of your valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, and consider storing them in a safe or other secure location – NOT in your bedroom, where burglars expect valuables to be.
Why Identifying Potential Vulnerabilities in Your Home Security is Important
By assessing these areas during spring cleaning, you can identify potential vulnerabilities in your home security. Why is this important? You can now take the proper steps to address them before they become a problem. Prevention is always better than fixing an issue.
Who Will you Call? Strand Security
If you need help addressing potential issues, as always we are only a phone call away. Call us anytime at 843-318-6392 for help with your home security and commercial security. Your security is our business.
Common Springtime Home Security Mistakes to Avoid
As spring arrives in South Carolina, so does… pollen.
If you live in the Myrtle Beach area of the Grand Strand, you might have seen this picture shared by Ed Piotrowski.
It’s not an oil slick, it’s a pollon-slick in the ocean! 😂
All this pollen doesn’t clean itself! After the trees have done their thing, it’s time for the humans to de-pollen their homes, porches, cars, windows and driveways!
Can we say it?
Yes, soon it will be time for… Spring Cleaning.
Common Home Security Mistakes Made in Spring!
Now we’re not saying these home security mistakes can’t be made during other months. We’re not saying that at all.
BUT… these mistakes are more likely to be made in spring when you are spending more time outside, more time opening windows and doors, and less time inside.
In no particular order, here are 7 common home security mistakes made in Spring!
- Leaving Windows and Doors Unlocked
Spring weather can be mild and inviting, but leaving your windows and doors unlocked can create an open invitation for burglars to enter your home. In the same spirit, when you - Not Updating Your Security System Frequently
If you have a security system in place, make sure to update it regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and is tested. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace them if necessary. If you changed the structure of your home (as in, you added an addition) you need to take that into consideration. Last but not least, technology ages fast. Make sure you have the best equipment for the job that keeps your family safe. - Ignoring Landscaping in the Spring
Overgrown bushes, shrubs and trees can provide cover for intruders attempting to break into your home. Keep your landscaping well-maintained, and trim back any overgrowth that could provide cover, especially around windows and near doors. - Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Places
If you have spare keys to your home, avoid hiding them under doormats or in obvious places. Criminals do know where to look for spare keys, so it’s best to keep them with a trusted neighbor or friend. Your best choice is installing smart locks that never need another key, just a code! YOu’ would be able to lock and unlock your door from anywhere in the world! - Posting on Social Media while You Are Away
Be careful about what you post on social media. Sharing your spring break vacation plans or photos while you’re away can alert burglars that your home is vacant. Instead, wait to post those until you are back. Smart criminals will stalk potential victims online! - Not Securing Your Garage
Your garage can be a vulnerable entry point to your home. Make sure to secure your garage door with a strong lock and avoid leaving it open when you’re not around. Teach your children to close the garage door, and if it is open often, make sure to hide or lock up your bikes, motorcycles etc. so they are not in view and seen from the street during a driveby! - Failing to Install Adequate Lighting in and Around your Home
Adequate lighting can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home. Install motion-sensor lights around your property to keep your home well-lit at night. If you are away for an extended period of time, use smart technology to turn on lighting at night, or use timers.
Home Security Mistakes We All Make!
We are not saying we’ve not made these mistakes ourselves. Sometimes just reading tips like these can help you create better security habits around your home. By avoiding these common springtime home security mistakes, you can keep your home and family safe and secure. Don’t forget, your security is our business. Give us a call.
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