6 minute read
Senior security tips
Home security tips for seniors
Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors' homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49.
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Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.
• Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home.
• Think about a smart doorbell.
Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house.
• Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away.
• Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification.
• Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in.
• Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check.
• Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the
Photo METRO By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.
thermostat, lock doors, and much more.
• Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home.
— METRO
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Thinking of remodeling your home? From safety and security to product and contractor selection, there are many factors to consider.
Follow these eight remodeling tips to help minimize hassles during a renovation:
1. Create a budget. Create a project budget and set a spending limit. Whether you plan to utilize savings, a home equity loan, a line of credit or free up funds through refinancing, now is the time to identify how you will finance the project, and how much you want to spend.
2. Prepare the house. Before work starts, clear all spaces where professionals will be working, as well as walkways they will use to access these areas. Remove valuables and breakables to avoid damage and cover furniture in areas where paint or dust could harm upholstery. Keep other considerations in mind. For example, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you may need to create a temporary food prep area.
3. Work with reputable
professionals. When selecting a contractor, be sure they have references, certification and an understanding of the project. In California, contractors are required to have a state license. The California Contractors State License Board was established in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Any past complaints or license violations are listed by this agency at its website for client references.
Bottom line: working with reputable professionals makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the materials used to complete the project.
4. Schedule wisely. Choose a timeframe for your home renovation that best fits your busy schedule. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause delays. Build this into the timeline so you’re not taken by surprise.
Photo StatePoint When selecting a contractor, be sure they have references, certification and an understanding of the project.
5. Address safety. Talk to your contractor about what COVID-19
See Renovation Tips Page 11
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Rare, panoramic 180 degree unobstructed views of Alexander Valley. Remodeled kitchen with custom cabinetry & top-of-the-line appliances. The adjoining living area opens to the new deck for entertainment. New hardwood flooring and lighting. AND the large inground pool is just a few steps away! Upstairs the master bedroom extends out to another new deck. The guest rooms have their own accommodations as well. Don’t miss the video: youtube.com/watch?v=LRSNjNi-KIc
General Contractor Residential & Commercial Building & Remodeling
Building in Healdsburg and surrounding areas since 1989
Photos METRO Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the resale value of your home to get a return on your home investment. Continued from Page 10
7. Communicate openly and
effectively. If a renovation is done measures they practice to help keep customers and employees safe. Find out whether they’re following CDC guidelines for businesses, including always wearing a mask, social distancing whenever possible and frequent hand washing. Also, ask if they offer virtual consultations that allow you to start the correctly, you may never need to repeat the process. This makes open and honest communication with your home renovation team essential. Be sure to share your vision and to ask questions as they arise. At the same time, expect the professionals working with you to communicate regularly and address all your concerns. process contact-free. 6. Add or update your security system. With professionals frequently coming in and out of your home, a home renovation may be a good time to add or update your security system with reprogrammable smart locks. Local hardware stores have many self-installed options. There are also professional home and property security services such as Advanced Security Systems that can provide professional consulting, security systems installation and monitoring. 8. Get a return on your investment. Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the resale value of your home. According to most industry observers, the top 10 greatest returns on investment for home renovations include bathroom and kitchen remodels, landscaping, replacing entry doors and replacing windows. It also helps to select products that come with transferrable warranties. This will give your property a tangible leg-up on the market when it’s time to sell. “Bottom line: working with reputable professionals makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the materials used to complete the project.” — StatePoint
