Safety features like smoke alarms, lockable cupboards for firearm safety, and keeping hazards out of the way to ensure the health and safety of your family is imperative. Likewise, having safety rules at home is another way through which all the occupants at home can ensure that safety is maintained. Therefore, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide of home safety tips and security insight to help you make the right decisions for your situation.
Home Safety Tips: Start with the Basics
When it comes to the safety of your family, it’s best to start with the basics. Here are some simple areas of your home to keep in mind as you begin assessing your home security.
Entrances
How many points of entry do you have in your home? Consider backdoor or porch areas, garage doors, and even basement entrances when running through your mental checklists.
- Always lock all doors every time you enter and leave.
- Make sure all hinges are functioning properly.
- Change all the locks when you move into a new space.
- Consider adding a video doorbell.
Windows
Windows are your secondary points of entry in the event of a home invasion. But they’re also a great feature of your home that provides natural light and fresh air. Just be sure to remember things like:
- Keep your windows always locked if not open or in use. If you open a window for fresh air make sure to lock it when you are finished.
- If windows don’t have locks, install some.
- Never leave home with a window open.
- Trim back any trees or shrubs that are near your windows to avoid potential storm damage.
Outdoor
Remember your space is your own. This means getting the most from your outdoor spaces as well:
- Keep your front and backyard lit with motion-activated floodlights that can alert you to unwanted guests and deter burglars.
- Trim back any bushes or trees that can block a line of sight from a window or door, as well as block light from installed floodlights.
Your Home Alarm
These days there are so many home security options. From DIY security products and full alarm monitoring companies like Ma Services Group, there’s a plan for protection that fits every lifestyle and budget. If you already work with a security provider, there’s still some regular maintenance to remember on your end:
- Install a home security system. This can include a control panel, motion detectors, glass breaks, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, and more.
- If you have a security system, be sure to test it regularly.
- If your system is currently running on a landline, consider upgrading to cellular which is more reliable during weather events and more secure.
Home Protection from a Security Provider
There are a lot of home security providers on the market that provide a wide variety of services. If you’re unsure of what to look for in protection, it never hurts to ask questions. As part of our home safety tips guide, here are some questions to consider when shopping for the right company for your needs.
How long have you been in business?
Newer companies might not be able to stay around and handle the needs of their customers. Well-established like MASG, which has been in the market for 10 years, have systems in place and know how to best help you.
Are there any extra charges? What is the overall cost?
You should know the costs of installation, activation, and monthly monitoring as well as if any rates are subject to increase over time. This will help you understand exactly what you are paying for.
If someone tries to break in, how will your system protect my home?
If the worst-case scenario occurs, you need to know what your security system will do to protect you. What good is a security system that doesn’t respond in any sort of meaningful time, or can’t help protect you and your family? Having a professionally monitored system can add an additional layer of protection and comfort.
Can you share any customer testimonials or successful case studies
A security salesman will always make it sound like their system is the fastest, most reliable, and best on the market, but customer testimonials and case studies can help you see real facts. If they can’t provide any testimonials, that should be a red flag.
How often does the company check their system?
Regular maintenance checks by the security provider ensure the security system is in perfect working condition. There should be scheduled regular checkups or a maintenance plan option as part of your contract to make sure your system is working as planned.
Do you provide any warranties?
Most companies should offer some type of warranty on their product. Warranties are designed to reduce the risk of financial impact in the unfortunate circumstance where there is an equipment failure.
What kind of customer support do you offer?
Make sure if you have any problems, you’ll be able to easily reach a qualified customer service representative that can help you.
What To Expect During Your Home Security Safety Assessment and Installation
Once you decide to purchase a home security system and enrol in alarm monitoring, usually an in-home assessment and installation take place. During the safety assessment, you can expect a thorough look at the potential hazards in and around your home. This is a great tool to help discover what steps you can take so your home is as safe as possible in an emergency.
For the installation of a security system, the process will depend on whether your system is wired or wireless. If you are getting a wired system, in most cases there will be holes made in your wall to install your system. They are needed for the wires, the security control panel, new locks, cameras, and more. For a wireless system, there will typically be less drilling involved. However, there might still be some depending on the system.
Our Take
Knowing where to start with home safety and security can be overwhelming. But if you break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable, MA Services Group is here to guide you in every step of the way.
And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out our home security services in detail at Ma Services Group. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.