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DIY Home Security Automation is easy

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Take home security seriously—before the break-in. If you’re up for a great DIY project, get going with home security.

3HReinforce doors. What you see in cops and robbers TV shows is true: Doors really can be kicked in. But not if they’re reinforced with easy screw-on upgrades that can resist even a kung fu master. Start with a door guard plate. Next, a door jam reinforcement will replace the weak pine door frame with a steel inset. Of course, replacing a wooden door with a steel door would really add security. For an added layer of protection, install the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt to your front door. It is the only Z-Wave compatible lock to feature a built-in alarm system, producing warning alerts to homeowners prior to their home being breached.

Strengthen windows. A window with a smash-proof coating will repel a thrown brick or whacking pipe. The coating is a film that’s applied like a big sticker. A determined burglar may be able to crack the window, but the film will hold the pane in place, preventing entry.

Landscaping. Though shrubs can deter intruders, they can also shield them from neighbors if overgrown. Make sure that branches are trimmed. To add security, illuminate areas around bushes and trees with flood lights.

Garage. Never leave the garage door opener in your car exposed because thieves can get into your car if it’s parked outside…and you know the rest. One solution is a Wi-Fi garage door opener so you can control the door with your phone.

Surveillance cameras. The latest technology allows you to remotely view your premises. Your phone will receive an alert from these cameras when they detect motion or sound nearby; you’ll be able to see what’s going on in real-time.

Locks. It can take only 15 minutes to replace an old lock with a keyless one such as the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt. Its features ensure that your house is locked, and unlocking is a snap, all via a number code. Just assemble the lock and put it in. It’s rare to have to drill more holes.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Summertime is Burglary Time: Lock up!

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According to U.S. Department of Justice statistics, an American home is broken into about every 15 seconds. Summer marks a busy time of year when Americans need to be extra aware of heightened home security breaches. According to the FBI, July and August have the highest monthly burglary rates, as intruders look to take advantage of increased travel during the summer months.

Homeowners are advised to take action and prevent intrusions by strengthening home security. The best defense against burglary is preventionand with proper planning you can help make your home unappealing to burglars. Burglars watch to see when you are traveling on vacation and even look for signs you are gone for minutes or hours at a time.

Here are a few tips to keep your home secure during summer months:

  • Protect your home’s main point of entry by installing a strong lock like the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt. I like this product because it offers the highest grade residential security available and has a built-in alarm, anti-pick shield and is even easy enough for you to install on your own.
  • Don’t leave windows open and unlocked while you are gone. Close and lock them even if you are just leaving for a few minutes. This will cut off easy access to your home.
  • Don’t leave outside lights on 24 hours a day. Using timers on indoor and outdoor lights is an easy way to give the illusion that you’re home – even when you are not.
  • Don’t leave your driveway empty and even ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you are gone.
  • Don’t allow your overgrown grass to grab attention. Schedule time for a landscaper or have someone trusted mow your lawn if you’re going to be gone for weeks at a time.
  • Don’t pack your car openly before a trip. This should be done in your garage or late at night under the cover of darkness.
  • Do have trusted friends, family, or neighbors collect your deliveries and let the police know you are traveling.
  • Don’t list your vacation plans on social media. Burglars love when you tell them you are 2,000 miles away and wait until you get home to post all those photos.
  • Lock all your doors and unplug garage door openers.
  • Don’t share your travel plans on a voicemail outgoing message and make sure to collect all your voicemails so the “mailbox is full” messages don’t play.
  • Don’t leave valuables sitting on dressers or in unlocked draws and make sure to lock everything of significant value in a safe.
  • Use a home automation system like Nexia Home Intelligence to check in on your home from afar. By using a system like this with a Schlage Camera, homeowners can monitor unusual activity to spot anything out of the ordinary.

Summertime doesn’t have to be burglar time if you follow these dos and don’ts!

Robert Siciliano Home Security Expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures.