Unfortunately, senior citizens and their homes are often considered easy targets, and taken advantage of by criminals. The elderly may not always be up to date with the latest technology, such as home security systems and emergency call systems. Here are just a few tips that seniors, and every homeowner, should know in order to improve their safety and protect their property.
No matter how safe you think your neighborhood might be, leaving doors or windows open, even for just a few minutes, is always unwise. Burglars are surprisingly quiet and work quickly. Secure all windows and doors and always arm your alarm system while you’re away.
Be extra cautious when answering your front door. Doors made of glass are decorative and let in plenty of light, but a potential intruder can easily spot you standing behind it. Solid doors offer you better protection, but they prevent you from seeing someone outside. One solution, is to have a peephole installed in the solid door, giving you a view of the outside. Another solution for both glass and solid doors, is to install a video intercom. Not only will it give you a full view of your front door and surrounding area, but you can safely hear and speak with anyone outside, before opening the door.
If you live in an apartment building, don’t” buzz in” anyone that you don’t know. Bad guys have a habit of pressing every apartment entry button hoping that some will let them in. If you live alone, have people call before coming over so that there are no surprises.
If you do live alone, a PERS wireless panic button is literally a life saver. Whether you’re home or away, a PERS will get you emergency assistance, by simply pushing a button. These affordable devices give both you and your family the peace of mind to know that you can get the help you need, when you need it, no matter where you are.
It’s nice to have a neighbor check on your house while you’re away, but limit the number of keys you give out. and keep track of them. Also, hiding a spare key outside is a good way to get robbed! There aren’t many hiding places the bad guys don’t already know about.
All too often, someone absentmindedly leaves a pot on the stove, unattended. This could result in lots of smoke, or worse, a fire. Smoke detectors are the best way to alert everyone at home that there is a problem. Battery operated detectors are fine, so long as someone is home to hear them and call for help. Smoke detectors connected to an alarm system are better. They monitor your home 24/7 and summon the fire department, whether you are home or not. With fire, a quick notification and a quick response are critical. As a bonus, monitored system generally qualify for lower home owner’s insurance rates.
Installing a security system is the best way to protect your home and your family. Video Surveillance Corp. can install a state of the art system that’s perfect for any type of home. Keep your home and family safe, and prepared for emergencies. Call us today at (718) 258-1310. When you think of security, think of Video Surveillance Corp. It’s security you can see!