#OurIce: A Campaign With Hometown Heart
March 22, 2019
I am on the move! I recently decided to move to a quaint and charming new neighborhood and I couldn’t be more excited. As I am un-packing boxes and getting ready to start a new chapter, one important item on my list of to-dos’ is home security. I don’t think I am alone when I say home safety is important for a lot of us.
Here are a few simple tips for home safety including a cool new affordable product that just hit the market!
1) A simple step yet forgettable one is locking your doors and windows. I too have forgotten to do this from time to time. Whether you have kids running around going from inside to outside frequently, or if you’re taking your dog out for walks –– it’s easy to forget to relock a window or door after use. I do a simple door and window check each evening. My new home is equipped with keyless entry which I love because it allows me to keep my doors locked all the time. I can leave and the door automatically locks behind me and does the same when I re-enter using the keyless entry keypad. This technology is fabulous as you never have to “unlock” your doors.
2) One thing that I’ve always done is put a stick in the tracks of sliding doors and windows to make it “extra safe”. But come to find out, that is not as effective as we all might think. In doing some research for my new home, I learned that there are some incredible features available for doors and windows that really enhance safe living. I found just the item to help. Renewal by Andersen created an interior safety lock feature for their doors and windows which adds major break-in protection. Not trying to scare you, but this is actual video footage they received from a customer that caught a burglar on tape.
The break-in was completely prevented thanks to the added interior safety lock on this door. Check out the article 11 Tips to Keep Your Doors & Windows Safe for even more helpful info.
4) Calling all dog lovers! Your dog can be a great deterrent from people entering your home. In reality, the bigger the dog and the louder the bark, the better. I have personally considered a protection dog for my home. If you are wanting a full trained protection dog, they can start at $35,000 on upwards so you may just want to train your lab, poodle, or whatever breed you have, to bark when someone comes to your door. I was told another tip is to walk the permitter of your property with your pet frequently, so he/she learns that it’s their territory. Of course, if you’re considering a guard dog breed, make sure you get the proper training for you and the dog to ensure safety of those that mean no harm.
4) Give your dog some back up support and supplement your home with a home security system. Today there are many options from doorbell cameras , video surveillance and monitored alarm systems that alert not only you, but the police.
5) Gun sales this year have increased tremendously. If you have decided to arm your house with a firearm, it’s imperative that you take the time to learn gun safety. Also have a plan on where to safely store it, lock it, and access it. I also recommend hiring a coach/trainer to learn how handle the firearm safely under stressful situations. When your adrenaline gets going it’s a whole different ballgame than when you’re practicing paper target shooting. It’s also important to know the state laws when it comes to your legal rights and ramifications of using the firearm, should the need arise. A conceal and carry course covers a lot of the safety and legal laws even if you don’t plan on carrying.
6) Lastly, get to know your neighbors and form a community! Neighborhood watch is helpful, not to mention fellowship with your neighbors is key to a safe and happy community.
Stay safe everyone! I am off to train my French bulldog Bacon to be a little more alert vs his current couch potato, nap loving style. Wish me luck!
