Moving to a new home is a very exciting time. However, it can also be a very busy and hectic time. There are so many things to do and lots of items keep track of. Something a lot of people miss in the chaos of moving is security. How are you going to protect your new home? We’ve put together a few things that you can do to improve the safety and security of your new home.

1. Check your doors and windows.

If you purchase a home that had previous occupants, make sure all of the locks have been changed. After all, the only people who should have access to your new home are people that you choose, not the previous owners or anyone they may have given a key to. Make sure all the new locks work properly after they have been changed. Take a quick walk around the house and check all doors, windows, and other possible entry ways to make sure locks and safety mechanisms are working properly. Improperly installed locks and safety mechanisms need to be replaced as soon as possible. Every unsecured location is an open door to your new home.

2. Evaluate interior and exterior lights.

A well-lit home is a well-protected home. Having proper lighting around your property can deter criminals who prefer to work under the cover of darkness. To improve lighting, you can:

• Make sure the entrances to your home and any out-buildings, have both interior and exterior lights.
• Strategically place lights in areas where you walk at night such as breezeways, driveways, and entryways.
• Install exterior lights to illuminate any large trees or shrubs in close proximity to your home, where a potential intruder could hide.

3. Get to know your neighbors.

Not only is it nice to meet people when you move to a new place, but your neighbors can also be one of your biggest assets when it comes to the security of your new home. They can look out for your home when you’re not there (and even when you are) and you can do the same for them. Generally, in communities where people know and look out for each other, there are lower crime rates. One reason crime rates are lower in these types of communities is that it is quite obvious when there are strange people lurking in the neighborhood or if anything is out of the ordinary.

4. Install a profesionally monitored security system.

As much as we all hate to admit it, trespassing, burglaries, and home invasions happen. But there’s no need to worry about all of the “what-ifs” when you invest in a monitored security system from a professional security company. Not only can they keep an eye on your home and alert the authorities in the the event an alarm is triggered, they can work with you to create a home security system that matches your family’s lifestyle and security needs. If you live the St. Louis metropolitan area, consider having that system installed by the team at PASS Security. With nearly 50 years of experience, we have the expertise to install, monitor and service a high-quality alarm system that will make you feel safe in your new home 24/7.