All too often homeowners overlook the problems that can place their home, valuables and loved ones in danger.
They are either unaware of the risks or think that it won't happen to them.
Unfortunately, this year, a large number of Americans will suffer at the hands of an intruder, a fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
The goal of every homeowner should be to eliminate these risks to the best of their ability.
The following are five steps that can be taken immediately to help secure your home and family.
1.
Home Security A properly functioning, monitored home security system is the best option to keep your home safe from an intruder.
Studies have shown that you are three times less likely to be a victim of a break-in if you have a home security system.
If the burglar persists in breaking into your home, your monitored system will notify a central station that will immediately contact your local police department.
2.
Deadbolts This is part of physical security so it is separate from the above section.
Deadbolts act to deter, prevent and delay a break-in.
Thieves may be deterred from attempting to open a door locked with a deadbolt and may leave.
If they do try, the deadbolt will hopefully prevent them from entering your home.
However, with the right tools and the right time, a thief can still enter your home.
In this case, the deadbolt acts to delay the criminal, making it more likely that he will be seen by neighbors or passing cars.
If you are home, the delay will hopefully allow you enough time to call the police and for them to arrive before the thief has entered your home.
3.
Neighborhood Watch Tell neighbors or friends who live close that you are going out of town.
This allows them to keep an eye on your home and alert the police to any suspicious activity.
You should also ask them to collect your mail and any packages that may arrive so they don't pile up, alerting potential thieves that you are away.
4.
Smoke Detection This is vitally important to the overall safety of your family and your home.
You can purchase smoke detectors inexpensively and install them yourself with ease.
As an added layer of protection, you can purchase detectors that work with your security system.
In the event of an alarm, your monitoring company will then notify the local fire department.
As a side note, if you have children, you should research vocal smoke alarms and the studies attached to them.
See article for more information on vocal alarms.
5.
Carbon Monoxide Detection Numerous things in your home are potential sources of carbon monoxide poison.
The results of this poisoning are devastating: nausea, fainting, brain damage and even death.
As a minimum, you should have at least one carbon monoxide detector installed in a common area near your family's bedrooms.
Like smoke detectors they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.