Keeping your New Jersey home safe isn’t limited to installing anti-burglary systems and gadgets. It’s also preparing for accidents and natural calamities that could damage your property. Knowing what to expect and how to secure your home ensures that your family and your property are safe.
Here’s how you can improve your home’s security:
Burglary
In 2019 alone, there were 1.1 million reported burglaries in the United States. Here’s how you can make your home safe against theft:
- Secure your doors and windows and install sturdy deadbolt locks.
- Leaving mail on the porch or trash cans on the driveway can alert potential burglars that you’re out of your home for an extended period of time. If you’re going away on a long trip, ask your neighbor to pick up your mail for you in the evenings and have them secure your trash cans as well.
- Don’t leave your exterior lights on during daytime. Contrary to popular belief, burglars scout potential areas in the daytime rather than at night. Exterior lights that have been left on the whole day may indicate that nobody’s home. For this reason, you may want to consider getting an automated lighting system for your home.
- Avoid keeping your shed doors or garage unlocked to keep important items and vehicles, such as motorcycles and boats, safe.
According to alarms.org, burglars tend to target homes without security measures in place, so it’s highly recommended that you invest in a good home security system. Choosing the right system for your New Jersey home may seem daunting, but with these tips, you can make the smart choice.
Home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning pose a threat not only to your property, but also your safety. Here’s how you can better protect your home from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Place fire extinguishers in easy-to-grab spots in your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have one fire extinguisher on every floor of your home.
- Check your smoke detectors every month to see if they’re working. Replace their batteries every six months.
- Invest in a carbon monoxide detector or a combination detector (for both smoke and carbon monoxide).
Storms and floods
When it comes to natural disasters in the United States, storms are the most common. In fact, New Jersey typically experiences the most thunderstorms during the warmer months of March to October.
Below are some things that you can do to protect your home in case of a bad storm or flood:
- Before a storm, make sure to check your roof for leaks.
- Clear your gutters and drains regularly to prevent leaves and other debris from impeding the flow of rainwater.
- If you have a large basement or crawl space, make sure your sump pump has a battery-operated backup so you can use it even if the power goes out.
- Move your valuables (important documents, photographs, family heirlooms, etc.) and important appliances and electronics upstairs.
When it comes to your family and your home, safety is a priority. Looking to buy a home in Somerset, Morris, Union, and Bridgewater Counties in New Jersey?
Our top real estate expert Cindy Pagnotta and her team at Pagnotta Homes can help you find a home that checks the boxes on your wishlist. Just call 908.436.7947 or email info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com to get started.
