What to Consider for an Effective Security Budget at Your Business

The security of your business is vital to your success. Without proper security, you could be at risk of something happening that causes a huge loss or even bankruptcy.

Setting up an effective security budget requires a few specific considerations. Here are some of the top considerations you should have if you're trying to set up your business security budget.

Figure Out What's Absolutely Essential

Every business has specific things that are essential to doing business. These could be systems you own, business equipment you use, intellectual property, data or anything else you need to stay in business.

Before you set up your security budget, make sure you identify what's most important to protect. Something that is absolutely critical for your business to function needs to be considered above something non-critical.

Identify the Risks to Your Business

Every business has risks. Identifying the risks will help you set a budget as you will know which areas of security need to be protected the most. Some of the risks you may be facing include:

• Brand Reputation

• Legal repercussions

• Fines

• Financial losses

• Competitive advantage

While protecting your business from hackers and from break-ins is very important, you also have to consider other risks when setting up your security budget. Sometimes, it makes sense to invest hundreds of dollars every year to protect against a risk that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, such as a hacker holding your valuable business systems hostage.

Cover All Your Bases

It doesn't do much good to set up a security budget that leaves holes in your security. If you were to invest in an actual business security system for the building and the things inside, but you decided to only secure three of your four doors, criminals will figure this out. You're left vulnerable, which isn't good.

Along with protecting your physical assets, you also need to consider your data, intellectual property and employees. The entire business needs to be protected and you need to consider this when setting up your security budget.

Start with the Basics

It's important to start with the absolute basics, such as the locks on your doors and windows, anti-virus software on your computers and access control for any sensitive areas, such as server rooms. Having your doors fully secured with high-quality locks will go a very long way to deterring actual break-ins. Make sure you have top-quality locks, such as Mul-T-Locks, installed by a commercial locksmith.

Once you've covered the absolute basics, it's time to start budgeting for things, such as security cameras and high-quality monitoring services for your systems. Make sure you start with the basics in your budget as most will come with a one-time cost or a smaller investment. Then, move on to the more sophisticated security measures.

Setting up a business security budget isn't easy, but it's necessary. If you're not sure where to start, you can hire an expert to analyze your business and let you know what the major risks are to your business. This will help you to assess what the costs may be to secure your most vulnerable areas.

3 Things to Consider When Installing New Doors at Your Home or Office

If you’re planning to install new doors at the house soon or even your office, there are a few things you’re going to want to consider before doing so. Sometimes asking the right questions now before doing the project makes a huge difference in the results of the project.

For example, have you considered how often a door will be used when choosing the materials of that door? Are you choosing a door based on aesthetics or practicality? What kind of door really makes sense for what you’re trying to do? Take a look at these 3 considerations that you should take before you install doors at the home or office.

What kind of door makes sense to use

The first question to ask if “what type of door really makes sense to use for this space?” there are a number of factors that you’ll consider in answering what type of door makes sense to use, including the style, the security, and even the energy efficiency level.

The style of the door should match the overall look of the home or office build which means you wouldn’t choose a bold statement of a door for a simple colonial home. Make sure to choose a style that suits the building but also expresses the right mood for what you prefer.

Next, consider if you’ve chosen a door that makes sense for the space. A strong front door with proper locking abilities is vital for your front door to your home or office building. It’s important to deter thieves with the door you choose. For an interior door, you want to make sure the door will function well for the room it leads to and that will be easy and efficient to use.

Speaking of efficient, look at the energy efficiency of your doors. You can affect your heating and cooling costs by choosing the right door. you’ll lose the majority of your hot and cold air through your windows and doors, so it’s important to select high-quality doors through the property.

The type of material you’ll be using

Now you should consider what type of material you are going to use. Once you’ve chosen the right door that makes sense, you’ll need to think about how the different materials will affect its ability to function well, its aesthetic, and its deterrence from both thieves and the elements.

A wooden door is a great, classic choice that will make a home or building look rich. They are expensive compared to other materials, but they look beautiful. They will require more maintenance though as the sunlight can warp the wood.

Another option is to go with steel if you need something strong and durable. You can actually paint these to match the home’s decor and you’ll save money on your energy bills. Lastly, consider fiberglass if you want something low maintenance and more affordable than wood. You’ll love how energy efficient they are, as well as durable.

How often it will be used

Are the doors you are looking to install going to be the main entry to the home or will it be an interior door that requires more privacy? Consider if you need it to look attractive to the outside world or simply the most functioning.

Is it going to be a beautiful door but also heavy to open and close regularly? Do you need a door that has a window on it to help you see outside more easily? Think about the use of the door before making your purchase since it can be easy to get caught up in either the beauty or the affordability of one without considering the function it will have.

Use these 3 tips of things to consider before installing any new doors at the home or office. Contact The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and we’ll help with the installation!

How can you increase the security of a door lock?

Your door locks are in place in your home to protect your home and your family. That is why it’s important to always take the time to perform maintenance and increases to your home’s security system. This all starts by ensuring your locks are as secure as the day you first bought them and utilizing technology to increase your security as new features hit the market. Take a look at the ways you can increase the security of your door lock and keep your home safer.

Upgrade them

Start by upgrading your locks. Since this is a thing you use every single day and it’s a major way that you keep your home secure, you should make sure you are using the right kind for your door and that it’s working properly. Did you choose one that is appropriate for your door? Is it going to be weak against blunt force or the use of a bump key?

It may be time to call a locksmith to replace your old locks and install one of the trusted brands of door locks on the market. It’s also a great time to make sure you have a deadbolt since the handle or keyed knob is less important. Your deadbolt will be much harder to break-in compared to a spring loaded latch because you can’t get the bolt to move without rotating it at its core.

Your front door’s locking system is your entire security system to your home, which is why it’s so important to have the latest technology in door locks and have a professional locksmith install it for you. The wrong locks could mean a break-in and harm to your entrance. Make sure to get a deadbolt that extend one inch beyond the door and choose be a high-quality brand like Medeco that will be resistant to lock-picking or fake keys.

Reinforce your doors and glass surfaces

Next, take the time to have your doors and glass surfaces examined. These are other ways that criminals will try to break in. If you are using an old, light-weight door, it may be time to replace it with a solid door made with hardwood or metal inserts.

Have a professional locksmith come out to reinforce doors that do not need replaced and then have them examine your windows. Since windows are by most front doors, a criminal may try to break-in through this method. Strengthen your windows and glass by replacing them with a stronger material or by adding a security window film for extra protection. You can get a tinted window film or a clear one that will at least discourage most burglars because it’s not easy to shatter.

Add a security screen

Speaking of window films, you can also add a security screen to your front door. This is basically like having two doors in which one door is in front of the other door. This allows you to have a metal barrier with additional locks for your front door. Since they are made to open out, attempting to kick them in will likely be unsuccessful.

If a criminal sees additional deadbolts and keyed knobs to get in a house, they may give up on their plans. You will have the option to see through this door much better than a peephole while still remaining inside the house.

Lengthen set screws

Talk to your locksmith about how they can lengthen set screws. This is another trick to improve home security that is simple but effective. Simply have your strike plate and hinges’s ¾ inch set screws changed to 3-inch screws. If someone tries to kick the door in, you’ll find that the door is more likely to just splinter and fracture but not actually get kicked in.

Typically with the shorter set screws, when the door is kicked in the strike plate will get torn off the door when the trim is breaking. With a longer set screw, the strike plate won’t be as vulnerable since you are likely just attacking the stud of the door jam. You must also secure the door’s strike plate and hinge side in order for this to be effective during an attack.

Maintain and install more hardware

Finally, make sure you take the time to maintain your hardware and add additional features where needed. You can use slipcovers to add more metal content to a door to help strengthen it where it has vulnerabilities. If you have exposed or weakened bolts that you use to secure a door, get a cover that extends over the jam.

Consider installing securing devices from inside the home, such as a lock in the middle of the door or a chain lock. Add front door monitoring through surveillance cameras, smart locks, and smart doorbells to improve your ability to see what’s going on and deter criminals.

Use these tips to increase your front door locks since it is the most important security feature of your home!

How to Integrate Smart Home Accessories with Your Security System

There’s nothing more important than a secure home. That’s why integrating a security system into your home is the first step in bringing a sense of security and deterring crime while living in this home. What’s better is that now you can incorporate smart technology into your security system which will take that security a step further.

Instead of just your basic security system setup, you’ll now have access to more features and all at your fingertips from your smart devices. With features like smart lighting, automation controls, access to your locks, and automated system checks throughout the day, your security system will now be working for you. Take a look at how to integrate smart home accessories with your security system.

What home automation systems can do

Home automation security systems are the future of home security systems and homeowners are already installing these left and right. With most people owning smart devices now and accessing apps for just about every process they do throughout the day, it just makes sense that one of those processes would be keeping an eye on your home’s security to watch out for breaches. Smart homes now have all of their systems automated and give you access through your smart devices so that you can be a part of the process from home or while away.

While you’ll need a professional to install these systems, you’ll gain so many benefits to incorporating it into your home. for starters, you’ll find that home automation systems give you control from one place through the app on your phone or tablet, while before you had to rely on being physically present in front of the system where it was installed in the home.

Next, you’ll be able to be in two places at once because you’ll be able to do things like lock the front door while changing the thermostat and lighting all from the touch of a button. The way things used to work would require you to actually go to the door or the light switch to change these things.

You’ll also have video cameras, a wireless system, a 2-way voice panel, and automation that can be controlled through both the app and by voice. These systems come with customer service, warranties, and system checks throughout the day to ensure everything is working. You’ll have professional monitoring to ensure you can reach someone when needed and all you’ll need is a contract and monthly rate to ensure your house is protected in the most efficient way.

How smart homes increase security and simplify life

With smart accessories, security systems in homes are becoming more efficient and better overall. When you start integrating these accessories into your home’s security system, you’ll find that it’s easier to leave the house to go out of town or simply go to work each day knowing that your home is protected. 

Not only is your home more protected, but you have easier access to the regular functions of your home that you would need to interact with anyway. Entertaining guests now becomes hassle-free when you can change the lighting or turn on the music from your smartphone.

Change the thermostat while you’re at work and shortly before you get home to ensure comfort and savings to your utility bill. Turn the lights on while you’re on vacation to ensure that a possible criminal thinks that you are actually home. These affordable accessories won’t break the bank, while also helping your utility budget and giving you that priceless peace of mind while you’re away.

Recommended systems

You can start integrating smart home accessories right away into your security system. Simply call the professionals at The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and ask about getting your home equipped with smart technology today.

You can also purchase equipment to add to your current setup, such as a smart thermostat, smart lighting, smart locks, and smart speakers. These can be integrated into the home by connecting your switches and plugs to give you the remote control of the unit from your smart device.

If you want to deter criminals and simplify your home’s daily functions, integrate smart home accessories into your security system.

What are the advantages of CCTV installation in the house?

Have you considered a CCTV system for your home? A CCTV security camera is a device you can use to for surveillance around the property that can capture images or video of the location you place them. These video monitors are perfect for adding security to your home, but they have other benefits too. Not only will you be able to capture a potential threat and use it as evidence, but you may actually deter a crime from happening. Take a look at the other advantages of a CCTV installation at your house. 

Deters crime

One of the cool advantages of owning a CCVT at the home is that it not only monitors activity outside, but a criminal would see it and be deterred from taking action as they had planned. Thieves that target your home are less likely to go through with it when they see your cameras outside. Make it really obvious by placing it in easy-to-see places and advertise it on the property. This is one way to protect your family and belongings.

See the entire property

You usually can’t see the whole property from inside the home or without walking outside to that part of the home. if you suspect something is happening, you can look on your CCTV system rather than going outside and facing a potential criminal. CCVT works great for blind spots around the home that you can’t see from a window, so if you were to hear an unusual noise, you check the perimeter of the property without leaving the house. This will calm your fears if you hear a strange noise, or if a guest shows up late so that you can see them without having to answer the door.

Affordable, low maintenance

One of the great reasons to get a CCVT is that there is essentially no maintenance needed to it once it’s set up. Occasionally you’ll want to wipe them clean and have a professional team check up on them, but you won’t need to do anything further. Once you purchase this system, it’s working for you. The best part is that it’s really affordable, which makes it an easy, low-cost, and low-risk investment for you.

Identifies criminals for evidence

If something were to happen on your property, having a CCVT may save you from never getting justice as this works as a way to identify criminals and can be turned in for evidence. You'll hopefully be able to catch the criminal and keep the neighborhood safer. Additionally, you’ll get an insurance deduction with most carriers, and if you are deterring criminals and not needing to make claims, you’ll likely see your policy get reduced over time.

If you want to significantly increase the security at your home, install one of these devices for a simple solution and prevention method. It’s just a one-time purchase that will allow you to reap the benefits for a long time to come. Your insurance rates may go down and you’ll have evidence if anything were to happen and very likely deterrent in the event that someone does consider trying to commit a crime.

How to Maintain Your Door Locks

Your home has plenty of door locks and you need to keep them maintained. If you're like most, you lock your doors often, which can wear out your locks over time. Maintaining your door locks helps to keep you from needing to replace the locks as often.

Door locks don't work forever. Even well-maintained locks will wear out over time. Here are some of the best tips you can use to ensure your door locks last a very long time.

Make Sure Your Door is Hung Properly

If you don't know was a properly hung door looks like, you can have a residential locksmith inspect the door for you. You want to make sure the door isn't sagging and is completely even with the frame. If the door isn't hung properly, it can put unnecessary pressure on the lock, which can cause an issue.

Properly hung doors won't bind and there won't be an uneven gap. You want a uniform gap along the sides and the top of about an eighth of an inch or at least less than a quarter of an inch.

Lubricate Your Locks Regularly

If you want to make sure your door locks function smoothly, you should use a lubricant about once or twice a year. Dry lubricants are very easy to apply and will help to ensure the lock remains in working order. Simply lubricate the inside of the lock with the key by moving it in and out a few times.

Clean Your Locks

You will also want to clean your door locks to keep them well-maintained. Use a mild detergent or a damp rag to clean the outside of the locks. If you use an abrasive or chemical cleaner, it can do harm to the lock. Even a petroleum-based cleaner may damage the finish of the lock.

Only Copy the Original Key

It can be a very bad thing for your door locks if you copy a copy of the original key. Always make your copies from the original key to ensure you get the best possible duplicate key for your door locks.

Check Your Deadbolt

You want to make sure you can easily secure the deadbolt without having to push or pull the doorknob. If you have to move the door around to get it to lock with the deadbolt, it means the lock or the frame wasn't installed correctly. Make sure the deadbolt extends all the way when locked, as well.

Check the Strike Plate and Screws

You want to make sure at least one of the screws in the top hinge is long enough to secure the door to the wall frame. This helps to prevent sagging and adds a bit of security. Usually, you want to add three-inch or longer screws to each hinge.

In addition, you want to check the strike plate to ensure it’s secure. You want to use long screws for this, as well.

Maintaining your door locks is very important if you're a homeowner. Locks that don't work right could cause an issue and may make it easier for your home to be broken into. Make sure you keep your door locks maintained and if you need work done to the locks, contact a professional Chicago locksmith.

Key Duplication Tips: Trust Your Locksmith to Get a Key Made

When you need to get a key duplicated, you usually need it done quickly. Whether you’ve found yourself locked out, you’ve changed your locks and need more copies, or your living situation has changed requiring a duplicated key, it’s important to be able to get what you need efficiently.

That is why you should work with your locksmith to get the key made when you need it. What is great about working with your locksmith is that they can duplicate keys on the spot, making it convenient but also affordable. Take a look at how your locksmith can help you when you need it the most.

Why you can trust your locksmith

You may have tried duplicating keys at the hardware store before, but they don’t always have what you need and it’s an extra errand to add to your week. Instead, you need fast results and a simpler solution. Getting keys duplicated from your locksmith is the best and easiest way to get your key needs handled.

They not only can do it on the spot for you, but they will make sure there are no issues with it before they leave. You’ll have a key made for a specific lock that they’ve assisted you with and you can guarantee it will work properly and be available right now. Your locksmith offers professional services for your home and office security needs, so it makes sense that you’d also use their services to get your key copy needs handled by them as well.

Why a locksmith is better than the hardware store

Going to the hardware store takes time, energy, and cash to accomplish when your locksmith can come to get you and get the job done quickly and affordable on the spot. You already trust your locksmith to handle other jobs for you like being locked out or changing the locks to the house, so it only makes sense that you’d use the same professionals to duplicate your keys. Your locksmith already makes thousands of key each year through their key cutting process in which they can take a blank key and cut it precisely to your lock.

You can get everything from your house keys to your car keys and even your mailbox keys duplicated you’re your professional locksmith. They keep the newest technology in key cutting which definitely outweighs going to a local hardware store with outdated technology.

Many times hardware stores don’t have what you need or cut it inaccurately which means you’ll have to make another trip to get it done right. You’re wasting your time and energy when you could have gotten it done accurately and affordably right on location.

Key duplication services your locksmith will provide

Save yourself the stress when you need all kinds of new keys made and call your trusted locksmith. You can get everything made on the spot from house keys to car keys to a new copy of a broken key or a new key when the original was lost. Key copies and replacements for your home, office, and a vehicle can be made to order on the spot with a quick phone call.

You’ll find your locksmith commonly works with brands like MUL-T Locks, Kwikset Keys, Baldwin Keys, Master Lock Keys, Schlagle Keys, and more. It’s a small cost to have the locksmith come out and make that spare key that you desperately need and you can guarantee it will work before they leave. In a scenario where you have lost all keys, it’s possible for your locksmith to make a key directly from a lock, but it’s much easier to make a copy from a copy.

Store your copy in a safe place and if you ever lose your original, you can access your copy and have a locksmith make another copy for you. You’ll be quoted based on your individual key needs with affordable prices for all. Almost any key used in the US can be duplicated and you can feel safe and secure knowing that no information is stored about the key being cut.

You can trust your locksmith when you need to get a key made today!

What it Means to Work with a Licensed & Insured Locksmith

When you hire a locksmith for an emergency job or simply to switch out locks on your front door, you want a licensed and insured locksmith. It's important to know what this means and why it's so important.

What's an Insured Locksmith?

An insured locksmith carries liability insurance. This type of insurance isn't meant to just protect the locksmith, but also the client. If accidental damage happens to the property or to someone, this insurance will protect the financial aspects of the damage.

What is a Licensed Locksmith?

When a locksmith files the proper paperwork with the government, they gain a license to work as a bonded locksmith. If they don't have a license, they haven't gone through the proper training to gain a state or federal license as a locksmith.

What is a Bonded Locksmith?

While licensed and insured are very important when hiring a locksmith, so is bonded. The process of bonding is similar to insurance. Once the locksmith has paid a bonding company, they become bonded. This will add protection for clients if damage happens due to an accident.

What Could Happen if You Don't Hire the Right Locksmith?

Imagine you're leaving work and you realize you locked your keys in your car. You hop on your phone, find the nearest locksmith and call them without verifying anything.

About 45 minutes later, the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle or in a poorly marked vehicle and goes to work on getting into your car. In the process, the locksmith accidentally breaks your window and never actually got into the car until the window was broken.

If this is an unlicensed and uninsured locksmith, you'll likely get a huge bill to pay the locksmith and no help with the damage caused. This is a big deal and could happen if you don't verify that your locksmith is licensed and insured.

When you hire a licensed and insured locksmith, they will have certain policies and procedures in place to ensure there is minimal risk of damage. They will show up quickly and get you into your vehicle without damaging your vehicle much faster. If an accident does happen, they have insurance to cover the damage instead of leaving you responsible for something they did.

Hiring a Licensed and Insured Locksmith

Verifying that your locksmith is licensed and insured protects you, but it will also offer plenty of benefits. Locksmiths won't go through this type of trouble without having solid skills and the ability to provide you with quality service.

Most licensed and insured locksmiths are going to be available 24/7 and will offer you quality services at an affordable price. Plus, you will know you're dealing with a professional instead of taking the chance with someone else.

When you need a locksmith, even if it's an emergency, always hire a licensed and insured locksmith. You don't want someone that cuts corners helping you get into your car or handling the locks on your home.

5 Types of Intercom Systems for Home or Office

If you’re considering installing an intercom system in your property, you are making the right steps in protecting your home or business. Intercom systems are the perfect way to secure the home from theft and to protect your family and your valuables.

You’ll now be able to talk to the person at your door before you even open it and in some cases, even see them too. With these 5 different types of intercom systems, you’ll have all kinds of options to protect your home in the way you need most. Take a look at the various intercom systems available.

Wireless unit

A wireless unit is a newer take on the original hard-wired intercom system. The wireless intercom uses a different type of radio frequency and tends to be less expensive than other options. There is basically no installation required which means you can start using them right out of the box.

Just make sure the battery is up to date and be aware of the range of a wireless unit. While these are convenient to install, they can sometimes have interference issues and a lack of a wide range that you may need. In some cases, an unauthorized person could potentially tune-in to your frequency. With the ease of use and the low price point around $100-$200, it’s a great option to consider.

Hard-wired intercom

The most common intercom option is going to be the hard-wired unit that you can mount inside the home. These work by allowing you to communicate with someone at the front door just by pressing a button to speak and then your intercom speakers are connected by wire in the home.

You may pay a little bit more for this type of unit, but it’s much more reliable in avoiding external interferences and handling more wear and tear. The audio signal works well, making communication much clearer and you can worry less about if your property is protected. If you are in the middle of construction on a building, it would be very simple to set up a wired unit. Talk to a professional about getting this installed.

Video Intercom

Another option is to get a video intercom. This is for homes that want the option to see a visitor that is at the door before communicating with them. They are typically going to be wired systems since video is more difficult to send wirelessly than an audio-only system would be.

You can also go for smart home technology that will allow you to incorporate a camera into your intercom system. You’ll be able to connect your devices and appliances to the internet to give you functionality of your home’s processes from your device.

You could use a smartphone or tablet to lock the front door, turn off the lights, or change your thermostat. This means that you can also incorporate a webcam to your front door that can be accessed with your other smart home technology. You will have to have a good internet connection to do this successfully and it does have the potential for hacking vulnerability, but you have remote access.

Carrier-Current

A carrier-current is an intercom that would be integrated into the electrical system of your home. This is another frugal option for an intercom system where you could have a conversation with someone at your front door. It’s easy to install and maintain but you may find other options provide better audio quality.

Automatic-gate entry intercom unit

Do you have many visitors and hate to have to stop what you’re doing to let them in? Now you can use the automatic-gate entry intercom to let people into your residential front gate without being physically present. Just press the button to let them in the door. In many cases, you’ll have a small camera at the gate to be able to see who is at the front gate. You’ll be able to see, talk to, and open entry for a visitor from inside the home.

These five types of intercom systems are great additions to your home office.

5 Home Security Tips for New Homeowners

As a new homeowner, there are many things you will be learning for the first time. One of those things will be how to keep your home and your family safe on a regular basis without it interfering too much with life. Everybody knows to lock the door when they leave and to keep an eye out for suspicious people in the neighborhood, but what else will it take to keep your home and family secure?

There are some things you may not have thought to do, such as getting to know the neighbors and changing the locks when you move in. Take a look at these five tips to get you started when it comes to new home ownership and keeping things secure.

Replace the locks

The first thing you should do when you move into a new home is to change your locks. Most likely, the previous owners still have a key somewhere as does anyone involved in selling the property to you. That means that your home is not technically secure and available only to your family.

Make sure you change your locks upon arriving at the new home to make sure no one else has access to it, such as the previous family or realtor. Then, make sure you reconfigure your garage door code.

Get a home security system

Next, you’ll want to install a home security system. Make your home less appealing to a criminal that enters the neighborhood, from the trimmed bushes allowing for a great line of sight to the motion-detecting lights, make sure no criminal will want to bother breaking into your home.

Be sure to set up your home with a trustworthy home security system that will notify you in the event that there is a security breach. Make sure to have a professional install it and remember to tell your homeowners insurance since you’ll likely receive a discount for having one installed.

Get to know your neighbors and the area

One of the simplest ways to keep your home and family safe is to get to know your neighbors and your surroundings. When you know who lives near you, it’ll be easier to spot a visitor to the area to watch for suspicious activity. You’ll also have neighbors to watch your home as you do the same for them in the event that suspicious activity is taking place.

You can even join the neighborhood watch program and volunteer to collect mail and newspapers for neighbors that go on vacation, as they can do the same for you. Then, be sure to get to know your surroundings to get familiar with what habits are normal in the neighborhood compared to the times when something new comes up. Do you always see this certain service provider and delivery truck, while that moving van or construction crew has never been here before?

Think about fire safety

In addition to security, you’ll want to think about fire safety. Make sure you’ve made a plan for home fire defense and have a fire monitoring package with your home security system. Smoke detectors throughout the house are vital, as well as fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep up with the maintenance

Having all of these items checked off will be a great feeling, but keeping up with maintaining everything is just as important. You need to be regularly checking your outside lights, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, your fire extinguishers, and your window locks to ensure everything is in working order.

If something isn’t functioning properly, it can be all it takes to have a breach in your safety. Make sure you are trimming the bushes, verifying your home security system is working, and things on your property meant to deter an intruder are ready to perform.

These are the top five ways that you can make sure your new home is secure and prepared in the event of a fire or home invasion.