Avoid Foolish Home Security Mistakes with Help from ESA

Irving, Texas (PRWEB) April 01, 2014

Today, millions of Americans will fall victim to harmless pranks in honor of April Fools Day, as practical jokers run rampant making fools out of unsuspecting targets. Unfortunately, pranksters arent the only people looking to capitalize on the nave burglars are searching for homeowners who arent taking home security seriously. Unlike a lighthearted April Fools joke, falling victim to a burglary is no laughing matter.

To keep you from becoming a home security fool, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) examines common security mistakes and provides alternatives to help protect your family from burglary.

Blame it on the dog

Many homeowners claim that a big dog is the only security system they need but unless your pooch is a Cujo reincarnate, its likely that your canine companion wont give two sniffs about a stranger entering your home while youre away. An Atlanta TV station made this point recently when they unleashed a burglar in the homes of five dog owners and filmed each pets reactions on hidden cameras. Each breed from a pint-size Papillon to a stocky Rottweiler allowed the intruder to enter the home and roam from room to room with little interference.

Instead of having to blame your pup when a burglar ransacks your home, take steps to make your home less desirable to potential burglars. Make sure your home is well-lit and your shrubbery is trimmed back to minimize hiding spots for criminals. You can also invest in timers for stereos, TVs and lights to make your home look occupied even when youre gone. This can further reduce your risk, since burglars tend to target unoccupied houses.

Shut (and lock) the front door!

Locking doors and windows is one of the easiest ways to protect your home from burglary, but its a measure that often gets neglected. According to the FBIs 2012 Uniform Crime Report, nearly 34 percent of burglars entered premises through an unlocked door or window.

However, even if you are diligent about locking up, it still may not be enough to stop a determined burglar.

To increase the security of your homes entry points, invest in remotely controlled locks that give you the ability to lock and unlock doors from your smartphone, tablet or web-enabled device. Keyless locks also give you the power to assign temporary pass codes to people who may have access to your home while youre away, such as a contractor or housekeeper. Youll have the ability to see whos been in and out of your house, or be able to remotely assist a loved one who has been locked out.

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Avoid Foolish Home Security Mistakes with Help from ESA