Nothing matters more than your family and the Indianapolis home that you share. When you take measures to protect the people and things you love the most, you enjoy more peace of mind.
But how do you begin? Start with a home security audit. Here is what to look for during an Indianapolis home security assessment and the best home security solutions for common safety concerns.
Are Entry Points Secure?
As the entry points to your home, windows and doors deserve special attention during your DIY Indianapolis home security assessment.
Start outside. Look for rotting or warped window frames, broken glass panes, and loose sashes that make it easy to break into windows. For doors, check for misaligned or rusted hardware and an unstable frame that won’t withstand a forceful kick.
Inside, ensure that all windows and doors have reinforced, working locks. Then lock them! If you have a home alarm system, test if window and door sensors still work. Sliding glass doors should have a dowel rod or security bar.
If you find issues, fix them as soon as possible. Repair or replace damaged windows and doors. Replace weak hinges, doorknobs, and locks with new heavy-duty ones. Sensors may need some new adhesive and repositioned. The confidence you’ll enjoy afterward will be well worth the time and money spent on these projects.
Does Your Home Have Security Blind Spots?
You can’t watch every area of your home all of the time, and some areas are more vulnerable to security incidents than others. Walk around your home to identify both entrances and hidden places that act as blind spots. These spots are where either accidents or security breaches are most likely to happen.
Surveillance cameras can help you keep an eye on everything at all times. When placed strategically, cameras provide a live stream of areas in and around your home that are less visible or where you want a good view at all times. You might consider installing security cameras where they can show you places like:
- The front porch
- Areas with no windows
- Rear windows
- Areas with landscaping that blocks the view
- The back door
- Your garage
- The basement window
- Your driveway
- Outside where the kids play
- Main living areas
- Main stairs or hallway
Combine your security cameras with a custom home alarm system and 24/7 security monitoring service for ultimate protection. This comprehensive system allows you to see what’s going on around your home and receive a fast response to anything amiss.
Is Your Home Well-Lit?
Accidents and emergencies are less likely to occur in well-lit areas. During your home security assessment, look for shadowy corners that would benefit from illumination, as well as lights that you need to replace.
Outside, you should have lights outside each door and more around the exterior of your house or in your landscaping to improve visibility. If you are concerned about the cost of electricity or forgetting to turn lights off and on, install lights with motion sensors or timers.
If you travel, invest in inside lights that can be programmed to turn off and on by themselves. This trick gives the illusion that someone is home.
Do Your Smoke Detectors Provide Adequate Protection?
Your Indianapolis home security assessment can address other threats to your home, too. It is the perfect time to test your smoke detectors. You can test most detectors with the push of a button. If the alarm does not go off during your test, replace the batteries, and try again. You should also dust off detectors and replace any that are more than ten years old or defective.
Finally, check that you have enough smoke detectors in your home to detect a fire anywhere. You should install one:
- On every level of your house
- In every bedroom
- Outside every sleeping area
- In the living room and/or near the stairway
Can You Evacuate Your Home Safely?
When you think about protecting your home and family, you usually think about keeping things from getting in. But what about getting out? In case of an emergency like a home fire, do you have an evacuation plan? And will your exits allow you to quickly and safely evacuate?
Walk around your home with your family and identify every exit you can use during a fire or other emergency. During your home security assessment, check that nothing is obstructing doors and windows and all able-bodied family members can open them. Doors or windows with security bars should have emergency release devices.
Schedule a Professional Home Security Assessment in Indianapolis
When you have done all you can to protect your home, schedule an Indianapolis home security assessment with a trusted local security company. They will survey your property and house, test security devices, and offer suggestions for increased defenses. From there, they will work with you to find the right home security solutions for your family’s protection.
You can start today by contacting Nelson Alarm. Our innovative home security systems and technologies give your home and family the ultimate protection. To learn more, call 317-255-2125 or click here for a free quote.