Five Steps To Take That Will Keep Your House And Personal Property Safe And Secure

Keeping our homes and property safe from a wide range of dangers is now easier and more cost-effective than ever before, with new tech on the market that makes securing our valuables simple and effective.

It’s not just gadgetry that can protect our homes and their contents, though – there are some low-tech steps we can take to keep our things safe, too. Use the five-step guide below to help you put together the ultimate home security plan.

Create A Smart Security System

A holistic smart security system is one of the very best ways to protect your property and the items within it; the idea of such a system is to incorporate a range of different elements, including monitoring devices, that work harmoniously together and can be controlled via a single console, or platform, remotely.

A smart security system could be comprised of, for example, cameras, motion sensors, alarms, door and window sensors, and glass break detectors, all of which can be monitored or adjusted from your device. Look for security systems that will enable you to set rules so that you can, for instance, set the lights in your home to turn on and off at certain times when you’re away so that it appears as if someone is at home. 

Have a look here for some of the best home security services for homeowners for details on a range of high-end packages from several different providers. Some options include live video feeds, smart locks, and life safety devices and sensors, so you can select the plan that’s best for your needs.

Before signing up and installing your system, it’s a great idea to first make a plan of your home to help you decide where key components – such as the cameras – should be placed. When creating this, think about areas of your home and property that could be specifically vulnerable; for example, is there a side door into the house that isn’t overlooked; do you have a room in the house where valuable art is displayed? This will ensure that you get a system tailor-made to your specific requirements.

Protect From Flooding

Flooding can have devastating consequences on your property and wreck furniture and other personal possessions and should be taken into consideration when thinking about how to keep your stuff safe. The rise in unpredictable and extreme weather makes this more important than ever before, with homes that were previously thought to be safe from flooding now at risk.

Flood detection sensors are a key form of protection – they are designed to detect a tiny leak and alert you to what’s happening so that you can take prompt action to prevent a major and potentially costly incident. Flood detectors are included in some home security packages but not all, so it’s worth checking this before purchasing; they can also be bought as a stand-alone component and are widely available.

Some properties are more at risk of flooding than others; if your home falls within this category, then it’s important to take some steps to mitigate things. Keeping flood boards on hand is a great idea – these can be placed on doors and windows to prevent water from entering the property. Having a stash of sandbags in storage is sensible, too. If conditions become such that the threat of flood looks likely, then it’s crucial to take the immediate step – if safe to do so – of moving portable possessions to an upper floor to keep them safe.

Guard Against Fire Risk

As with flooding, many smart security home systems incorporate smoke detectors and alarms; however, if you choose to install them separately, this is also a good way to protect your home and loved ones. Be sure to install at least one alarm on every floor of your home – choosing a ten-year battery sealed unit is a good option. Whichever type of alarm you decide on, it’s vital to test them every month (or more frequently) to check they remain in working order.

There are plenty of simple steps you can take to prevent a fire in your home; these include precautions such as keeping tea towels away from the hob and turning off appliances that don’t need to be on when they’re not in use. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is also advisable, as is using surge protectors on plugs, removing lint from your tumble dryer regularly, and checking electrical appliances for signs of damage frequently.

Consider Subsidence Risk

Subsidence can cause catastrophic property damage; it is where the foundations of a property shrink or collapse, and it can be caused by several different things, including soil that has swollen or shrunk due to weather changes, shrubs and trees absorbing moisture from the soil beneath your home, or leaking drains resulting in a softening of the ground.

There are things you can do, however, to minimize the risk of subsidence. Make sure that any trees or shrubs you plant are at least ten meters away from your property can help, and be sure to prune the branches of trees near to your home regularly. Maintaining pipes and drainage systems – and taking swift action at the first sign of a leak – is also crucial to protect your property from potential subsidence.

Keep On Top Of Maintenance

And finally – staying on top of maintenance is one of the most effective measures you can take to protect your home and personal property. Check the roof regularly for missing tiles, and have blocked gutters sorted at your earliest convenience to prevent further problems from developing as a result. 

If you have an open fire or a log burner that uses a chimney or flue, then be sure to have this professionally swept at least once a year to help protect against the risk of fire, as well as guard your items against smoke damage.

Storm, wind, snow, and the effects of general wear and tear can all take their toll on the exterior of your property and, over time, cause significant damage. To this end, look out for cracks in the walls, tilting chimneys, or wear to the windows – these are examples of things that, if left unresolved, could result in water damage and a large repair bill.