Knoxville Homeowners: The Five Most Common Home Security Mistakes

WITH SUMMER approaching, it is the perfect time to reevaluate the security of your property. If you are not properly securing your home, you could be increasing the chance of a home burglary. By acting now, you can easily avoid common home security mistakes to ensure your property is as safe as possible.

1. Leaving doors and windows unlocked

Doors and windows serve as an easy entry point into your home when left unlocked. Whether you forgot to lock the backdoor or left a window open, you are making your home an easy target for a skilled burglar!

2. Hiding a spare key outside

Still hide a key under the doormat to provide easy access for additional members of the household? Whether the key is under the doormat, hidden in a fake rock, or somewhere you think a burglar would never look, you are mistaken. Instead of hiding the spare key, leave it with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. Better yet, Smart Locks eliminate the need for keys, allowing you to take your home security above and beyond.

3. Providing cover for a burglar Burglars are sneaky; don’t make it easier for them by providing the perfect hiding spot. Take a walk around your property and look for areas that provide places to hide. Clear overgrown areas and keep trees and bushes near your home trimmed.

4. Leaving the garage door open Are you working in your yard all day? Did you forget to close the garage door after returning home? Not only does an open garage door provide easy access into your home, it also lets a burglar see what’s inside, potentially making your home the desired target. Most burglars pick a house after surveilling the neighborhood. Additionally, tools are most likely to be kept in the garage. Allowing easy access to these items can make a burglar’s job effortless! Keep tools and ladders locked away to prevent a burglar from using them to gain entry into your home.

5. Making it apparent that no one is home

If you have to be away from your home for an extended period, follow the home security tips below:

• Stop mail and newspaper delivery

• Have a neighbor park an extra vehicle in your driveway

• Arrange for someone to cut the grass

• Place interior and exterior lighting on a timer

• Refrain from posting vacation pictures while you’re away

These common home security mistakes are easy to fix and will help reduce the odds of a break-in. The best way to ensure the security of your home and family is with a reliable home security system. A home security system, installed and monitored by Fleenor Security, can easily be customized to fit your needs, providing you with the best security possible.