Seniors: How Secure is Your Home?

 

Many of us grew up in small towns where it was considered an oddity if anyone locked their doors.  Unfortunately times have changes and home security has become a big business.

 

You might figure that you don’t have anything valuable enough to steal, but you still want to feel safe and secure in your own castle.  Even if you resist the idea of home security with all of the latest bells and whistles, you should still be sensible.  Linda Altoonian in her book “Living Agelessly,” points out some simple but practical things that you might want to consider.

 

Get a security check-up.  Your local police department can give you literature on how to make your home secure; many police departments have special programs for this contingency and will send officers to your house to check for potential problems.  Make that phone call.

 

Lock your doors.  Install locks on the outside doors, sliding glass doors, and windows.  Install good locks, not the kind that can be opened with a hair pin or a credit card, and use them.

 

Install a 180 degree door viewer.  A peephole is inexpensive and easy to install.  The peephole will enable you to see anyone who knocks on your door.  Never let strangers into your home.  I know that sounds harsh and unfriendly but you really want to do this.  If someone is insisting and won’t leave, tell them to come back in 30 minutes or an hour.  In the meantime call the police or contact a friend or relative to come over and be with you when the caller returns.  Do not conduct business with anyone selling door to door.  Ask for ID if it is a service person or anyone else insisting that they are expected.

 

Add exterior lights that come on when someone approaches.  Do not hide spare keys out doors.  Make an arrangement to give an emergency key to a friend or neighbor.  Tell your neighbors of any anticipated changes in your routine so that they can keep an eye on your property.  Be friendly and be available to return the favor so that you can give or receive help if an emergency situation arises.  It isn’t easy to establish relationships with neighbors these days as people are very busy, so you might need to be the one to make the first move.

 

Make sure your street numbers are large and visible.  It is a good idea to “wonder-proof” your home.  This is not only a good idea if you have a person with dementia in your household, but will serve as a warning system if anyone is trying to get in from the outside.

 

Use direct deposit for checks, don’t give out your keys, credit cards, check books or saving account numbers to caregivers, housekeepers etc. and do not keep large amounts of money in your house.  Utilize your bank, use a safe deposit box, screen phone calls and only use your first initial for phonebook and directory listings.

 

If you live alone you are vulnerable, but you shouldn’t live in fear either. Make an effort to be alert and careful so that you will feel secure in your own home.

 

 

Comments

[Celestia]

I enjoyed your post. I, too, remember a time when it was safe for kids to play outside unsupervised and when homeowners could leave their doors unlocked. What happened to the world?

It's important that people beef up their home security like you suggested. Another thing to consider is getting a home security system installed. I was skeptical at first, but I bought an ADT Home Monitored Security System and love the features. I also got a 20% discount on my homeowner's insurance premium.

Of course, there are other ways to get discounts and to keep your home safe. Like you said, deadbolts are a must and can give you something like a 5% insurance discount.

[Celestia]

To read more ways to save on homeowners insurance and to keep your family safe read the article on this website. It was really helpful to me!

http://www.ushomesecurity.com/home-security-articles

Thanks again for your great post!