Moving home can be an overwhelming, stressful and time-consuming process. During this time it can be common for certain home requirements to be neglected and slip through the net. Often home security can fall into this bracket as homeowners simply prioritise other issues that in the moment they deem more pressing. Unfortunately due to this commonality new homeowners are placed at even higher risk of burglaries and break-ins. They are also susceptible to outdated safety features, especially in older properties where previous owners may not have performed the required checks or updates. It is essential that homeowners prioritise safety and security within their new home to prevent intruders and fire risks, as well as offering much needed peace of mind.
Fire safety
Smoke alarms are a necessary requirement to ensure a safe home environment, in fact, homeowners living in properties without smoke alarms are seven times more likely to die in the event of a fire. Regulations state that all fire alarms should be in full working order and a minimum of one smoke alarm should be fitted on each floor of your property. When moving into a new property homeowners must perform the appropriate checks to ensure their smoke alarms abide by these regulations. To effectively test a smoke alarm hold down the test button until the alarm sounds, if it doesn’t sound then the batteries will likely need replacing. If the alarm still doesn’t sound with new batteries then the smoke alarm may be faulty and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Furthermore, it is important to check that your internal doors are in line with fire safety regulations, especially if you’re moving into an old property. For homes with three stories or more fire doors are an essential criteria. This is an important consideration for homeowners undertaking loft conversions in their new home, as this could take their property from two stories to three. If this is the case then all internal doors positioned in escape routes must be replaced with a fire retardant door.
Home Security Features:
Locks
When moving into a new property it is essential for homeowners to fully assess their door locking mechanism to ensure it is functioning to a high standard. This is especially important for older properties that may not have had their locks updated in a long-time. Faulty locks increase the risk of potential break-ins or burglary and are therefore a high priority for homeowners. The most appropriate door lock will depend on the location of your property, for areas with high crime rates you will want to choose a strong door lock that offers a high level of security. If you’re particularly worried regarding break-ins it may be best to combine multiple lock mechanisms or a chain attachment on your door for extra protection.
Alarms
In many cases not even the highest security locks can offer full protection from break-ins, in this case security alarms are needed to alert homeowners and scare off intruders. As well as protection, security alarms offer much needed peace of mind for homeowners but in order to work effectively they must be set up correctly. Ensure that your pin code is personal so it cannot be easily guessed and don’t forget to set your alarm every night to offer maximum security.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting is another simple but effective method for deterring burglars and notifying homeowners of suspicious activity. A well lit area discourages burglars by offering high visibility and creating the illusion that homeowners are present. If you do not want to leave your lights on overnight then it can be beneficial to install a motion sensor, this will turn the lights on as soon as movement is detected. These lighting systems come in a range of styles, sizes and costs so you are sure to find one that is suitable for your garden
Surveillance
If you’ve moved to a new area that you’re unfamiliar with it can be worthwhile installing security cameras outside of your property. These cameras can provide a clear view outside of your home to identify suspicious activity. Often prior to a burglary or break-in the culprit may wander around outside to assess the property and how best to gain entry. Security cameras can be installed with motion technology to notify homeowners that an intruder is present. In addition, as these cameras can be controlled from your own smartphone device you are able to check them when out of the house, providing peace of mind.
