9 tips to improve safety in the home

In this blog we have already dedicated several articles to talk about how to reinforce the security in the windows of a house (both to prevent children's accidents and to prevent break-ins and robberies). Today we want to go a step further and offer some general tips for safety in the home.

1. Always lock the door

When you leave the house, even for five minutes, you must be sure to lock the door. Doors that are locked only with the slide can be opened very easily (in a matter of seconds), so you'll be making it easy for other people's friends. Make sure the door has at least two locking points. This will make things a little more difficult for potential thieves, and perhaps help them to give up if they encounter any resistance. Check that there is no gap between the door and the floor. To prevent it from being leveraged, reinforce your door's hinges with steel pins and metal angles.

2. Check the locks

Check and update door and window locks periodically. Locks can become the weakest point of security in the home. They wear out and lose effectiveness with use. It is essential to check them periodically to ensure that they are in optimum condition. On the other hand, if you have just moved into a new home, remember to replace the locks, regardless of whether it is a second-hand, rental or new home. You never know who might have kept a copy.

3. Don't hide the keys near the door

Avoid the temptation to hide your keys in vases, mailboxes and pots. These are the spots a thief checks first.

4. Install a proper security system

Alarms are the best way to deter thieves. Nowadays there are sophisticated video surveillance systems that are activated by means of motion sensors and send alerts to your mobile phone, from where you can see what is happening inside your house, just like there are security software such as VPN that can increase your online security. These systems, normally incorporated in some type of domotic installation, in addition to improving security against burglaries, will make it possible to control the opening and closing of exterior doors and windows at all times, control the fire-fighting system, check that all the members of the family are well, etc.

5. Do not leave valuable objects in the house

The best way to avoid being robbed is not to have valuables in your home (large amounts of money, chequebooks, jewellery...). If you do have them, make sure they are safe by using a safety deposit box. A highly recommended precaution nowadays is not to leave security codes, card keys or online banking access codes in plain sight. Another security advice at home is to make a detailed inventory with the serial numbers of the different electronic devices by brand and model. If possible, we recommend that you photograph them. This way, if you suffer a theft or robbery, you will be able to report it to the corresponding security forces and have more chances of being identified.

6. Do not open your door or the portal to strangers

By giving strangers access to your community or building, you are compromising your safety and that of all your neighbors. Therefore, the general premise should be to require accreditation from any person who claims to be a representative of a utility company (water, electricity, gas, telephone ...). Always keep the door closed until you can fully identify the caller. Do not stay at home with strangers by phone or internet.

7. Improve the security of the residents' association

The main ways to access an apartment building are through the gate or through the garage entrance. The installation of cameras in both places, accompanied by a dissuasive sign are a security element in the home more than helps prevent the entry of potential criminals. If adjacent buildings are connected by roofs or garages, it is advisable to install detectors and cameras in these areas as well.

8. Reinforce security on windows, terraces and balconies

Thieves can use the balconies as a staircase to get to the upper floors. Lockable doors should be installed on balconies and terraces. If sliding windows are used, they must be fitted with a stop that prevents them from being opened. In ground floors or houses, windows should be specially protected with bars. The option we recommend is to install safety glass in all enclosures and especially those that are easily accessible.