Home Hacker or Mad Scientist? Why Your Last 3 Home Security Hacks Weren't as Smart as You Thought They Were

HOME HACKER OR MAD SCIENTIST? WHY YOUR LAST 3 HOME SECURITY HACKS WEREN'T AS SMART AS YOU THOUGHT THEY WERE If you're like many of our customers, you're a home hacker. You want to have the coolest house on the block, tricked out with only the latest gadgets and gizmos. For some, this means a well thought out protection plan that involves some new tech and DIY solutions. For others, however, home hacking can quickly transform a noble experimenter into a mad scientist. If you want to avoid this same fate, you'll want to avoid these three home hacks that we've seen go awry: YOU INSTALLED A NEW, STATE OF THE ART CAMERA THAT CAN'T SEE ANYTHING Instead: One of the biggest obstacles that DIY home security fixes face is operator error during installation. It doesn't matter how nice your new security camera is if it can't see the bad guys, so instead of trying to conceal your camera by placing it in a discrete location where it could be easily obstructed, try these solutions. Place your security camera somewhere that it can clearly see the area of your house you want to monitor. Avoid trees, bushes, and shrubbery, as these can grow to obstruct the camera's view. Find a dry location where your camera will be safe from the elements. YOU UPGRADED ALL OF YOUR LOCKS, BUT NONE OF YOUR DOORS Did you know? 65% of break-ins occur by forcing in the front, back or garage service door.' Whenever a group of dads is at a barbecue and home security comes up, it will be no less than 5 minutes before one of the guys puffs out his chest and brags about his new Grade-1 deadbolts that he's added to every door in his house. Front door? Check. Instead: Back door? Check. · Buy a steel door. While heavy wood doors or fiberglass doors may feel good enough, steel doors are the most cost-effective Broom closet? Check. Can never be too safe! doors on the market and are the safest While replacing your locks can be helpful, if your deadbolts are locking down a flimsy exterior door, that work may be in vain. Remember: it's better to replace the door with one that has stronger material than simply installing a deadbolt. option available.? • Having a door that swings out instead of in will make it harder for burglars to kick in your door, decreasing the chance of a break-in. 1 Add an iron security door to your front and back doors for additional security. YOU INSTALLED NEW SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS WITH LONG-LASTING BATTERIES ... NOWHERE NEAR YOUR BEDROOM. Instead: Forget that old smoke detector, you just got an upgrade. Your new smoke detector senses smoke, carbon monoxide, has a battery backup, and won't go off accidentally when you're trying to cook fajitas. You feel pretty smart, but where did you put your new detector? If the answer isn't close to your bedroom, you may need to relocate.* • Make sure you have alarms within 15 feet of every sleeping area in your home. · Avoid installing alarms next to furnaces, appliances, or other combustible products I ALWAYS double-check your battery backup! So think twice the next time you don your lab jacket in an attempt to hack your home to safety. Whether you need to install a new lock or a new smoke detector, make the adult decision and do your homework before your next home security project. For more tips and tricks to help protect your home, go to protectyourhome.com/blog If you're interested in upgrading the security on your home, make sure to give us a call at 1.800.580.1342 Sources 1. http://www.familyhandyman.com/home-security/how-to-reinforce-doors-entry-door-and-lock-reinforcements/view-all 2. http://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_exterior_doors_HT_BG_DW 3. http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/15212/inswing-or-outswing-doors 4. http://www.lowes.com/cd_How+to+Install+a+Smoke+Carbon+Monoxide+Detectors_1304521110_