Converting Your Basement to Something More

Our  home is our comfort zone, our haven when we feel threatened —a place where we feel safe. But sometimes we become so comfortable in our homes that we tend to forget to check once in a while the security measures we placed. To do so is not necessarily a sign of paranoia but an act of keeping our family safe. Below are some recommendations on how to keep your home safe.

- Make sure that all locks are working properly and change those that are faulty or rusty. It is recommended to use dead bolt locks on exterior doors because they are harder to pry. Door stoppers can also be installed as an added security measure.

- Check window locks and hinges. Watch out for signs of prying or scratch marks because such things might have compromised the security of your windows. Repair or replace broken windows or window parts so that they will remain effective. Nowadays, there are window screens that not only prevent insects from coming into the house, but also act as an added security from burglars. Installing such screens is recommended because windows are one of the main entry points of burglars.

- Illuminate the immediate surroundings of the house especially at night to be able to see if someone is lurking around. This can also intimidate burglars because of fear that they can be seen by passers-by.
- Trim plants that block the outside view of the window to have a clear view of the outside. Also, do not let thick bushes or plants grow near the windows or door because they can be used as hiding places for burglars while they wait for a chance to make a move on your home.

- Do not hide spare keys around or near the door and on flowerpots because they can easily be found. If it can’t be avoided, hide it somewhere less obvious like behind a loose brick on the wall. · When leaving the house at night, make sure that there are lights on inside the house and on the outside as well. It is preferable to use timers to turn on the lights especially if no one will be left in the house for a number of days. This will give the impression that someone is on the house that turned on the lights.

- When leaving for a long period of time, ask someone who can check your house once in a while. It is also recommended to stop your newspaper or magazine subscriptions and inform concerned companies not to deliver your mail or perhaps divert the mail to another address. By doing so, burglars may think that someone is in the house which gets the newspapers and letters. Piling up of mail can give burglars an idea how long the house has been empty of occupants.