IoT Device Safety for Young Children

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Technology today has become ingrained in many children’s lives, making them much more adept with Internet devices than previous generations. Nearly 95% of American households today have the Internet, giving children greater access and exposure than ever. Many children have a basic understanding of a tablet or smartphone or even know how to surf the web before they enter elementary school.

The next generation of kids will undeniably be tech-savvy and Internet-centric, which provides parents and caregivers with a unique challenge. The Internet will be a big part of their children’s development, so it’s important to talk with them early about Internet usage and establish rules on how to use it.

Should Parents Monitor Children’s Internet Usage?

The short answer is yes, but the practical way to go about it is more complicated. There must be more research before we fully understand how technology impacts children’s development. However, current studies indicate there are positives and drawbacks to technology usage in children.

For starters, Internet access can be an effective way for children to unwind and relax. With the advancement of streaming, kids can now watch their favorite shows or lighthearted videos from a smartphone, tablet, etc. Additionally, the Internet can help children learn new things and build research skills. Google’s search engine has become a modern phenomenon, and many children understand how to use it effectively at a young age.

On the other hand, too much Internet usage can negatively impact social skill development in children and make them more isolated. Another study indicates that an over-saturation of technology can decrease the attention span of children and adults.

So, what is the best way to monitor a child’s Internet usage? Well, the best answer is moderation. Parents or caregivers should establish clear rules for how long a child can use an Internet device. We suggest less than two hours of screen time every day, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what is best for your child. However, if you notice prolonged Internet use is becoming a problem, you should intervene.

How to Keep Children Protected While Using an IoT Device

Although the Internet is a powerful tool that has a lot of positives, there are also a lot of dangers to it. The truth is, you do not know who is on the other side of the screen, their intentions, or how they might target you or your child. Children are more susceptible to online scams and cyber-attacks because they are mostly unaware of these behaviors, so it is essential to have measures in place to ensure their safety.

Parental Controls

Parental controls were implemented in the mid-90s when the Internet entered the mainstream. Today, these controls exist on basically any IoT device you use. There are a lot of customizable features that restrict certain content from children, giving parents and caregivers a lot of flexibility.

For instance, parental controls on smartphones allow you to limit which apps your child can download, set screen time limits, and even restrict the ability to share photos and videos from the device online. As for laptops and tablets, you can restrict the websites they access, the games they can play/download, view browsing history, and limit screen time. There are more advanced settings for each device too. But this should give you a basic understanding of what you can control as a parent.

Teach Them the Basics of Internet Safety

Sometimes, parental controls can only go so far. The sooner children learn how to protect themselves online, the better. Most of us have heard the parental advice, “don’t talk to strangers.” The same rule applies when online. It’s a sad reality, but there are a lot of dangerous people online, and children are susceptible targets to their nefarious goals. Criminals often use a child’s naivety to their advantage.

Children must never share personal information about themselves, family members, or friends. These include names, addresses, phone numbers, events they’re attending, etc. If it’s information they wouldn’t tell a stranger in real life, it’s something they shouldn’t share online. Additionally, they must understand that even reputable websites like YouTube can be dangerous if they’re not careful. They must always be conscious about what they say and do online: no exceptions!

Make Sure They Know How to Operate Other Smart Home Devices

Internet-capable devices have expanded far beyond the traditional laptop or cellphone. Home automation has become increasingly popular among households. People can control everything from lighting to locking their doors, to adjusting thermostats, and much more from a smartphone, laptop, etc.

If you have any smart home technology or are considering installing some, it’s important to teach your children how to handle these devices on a basic level. The last thing you want them to do is to inadvertently leave the house unlocked or disarm your security system. Most children are well-versed in technology already, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for them to understand.

Consider a Smart Home Security System to Keep Your Children Protected

A child is a home’s most important asset, and a smart home security system can ensure they remain protected. You can even teach them the valuable lesson of home safety by showing them how the system works and how to use it properly.

At Boyd & Associates, the safety of our customers is always our top priority. We offer a wide range of security and smart home solutions that are easy to use and keep you and your family safe. For more information about Boyd & Associates and how we can help you build a more secure home, feel free to contact us today.

Driving Safety Tips For Snow Travel

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California has received an overwhelming amount of snow this winter, making local resorts popular destinations for travel.

Driving in mountain regions during winter conditions requires planning and preparation to avoid hassles on the road and once you arrive at your destination. Here are a few personal safety tips to help you plan and stay safe on your trip.

Prepping To Drive

  • YOU MUST CARRY CHAINS IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES DURING WINTER!
  • Carry a sturdy shovel and cat litter – or gravel – should you need to dig out of a berm or create additional traction on icy roads.
  • When driving during or shortly after a storm, expect delays. Plan on leaving extra early to manage heavy/slow traffic.
  • Check road conditions before you drive and choose the route with the most favorable conditions.
  • Make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.
  • Carry emergency supplies including: food, water, warm clothing, blankets, medication, and a cell phone in case you become stranded.

When You Need Chains

  • Caltrans will determine if tire chains are required. Check chain requirements on Caltrans Quickmaps.
  • R2 conditions require 2-wheel vehicles to wear chains. R3 conditions require ALL vehicles to wear chains. There are no exceptions to these rules.
  • Do not stop in the middle of the roadway to put chains on.
  • You must install the chains on the drive tires. Refer to your vehicle manual if you are unsure of which wheels are your drive tires.
  • Carry a shovel, rubber mats, cat litter, or other materials to help with traction if you get stuck.

Driving In Icy/Snowy Conditions

  • Make sure you can see out of all windows of your vehicle.
  • DO NOT POUR HOT WATER ON WINDOWS TO MELT ICE! Use an ice scraper and your defroster.
  • Use your fog lights when driving in fog, rain, and snowstorms.
  • Keep 3 car lengths away from the vehicle in front of you. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as you would normally need to brake.
  • NEVER brake suddenly on ice – tap brakes lightly, on and off until you slow.
  • Black ice can stay on roadways in warmer conditions. Be careful when driving in shady areas and slow on approach.
  • Reduce speed upon approaching a turn. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration.
  • If you skid, let off the accelerator until you feel your wheels regain traction – do not brake! As you regain traction, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. If you’re still skidding, counter-steer and apply the gas lightly until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, including other drivers that may be losing control on the roadway.
  • Slow down in icy/snowy/foggy conditions.
  • When driving uphill on an icy road, you will need momentum. Slowing can cause you to slide backwards into traffic behind you.
  • If you are nervous or inexperienced driving in winter conditions, avoid traveling and wait until conditions improve.

Is it imperative that you check road and weather conditions before you travel so you know if conditions are favorable or not favorable. Even in sunshine weather, you must carry the appropriate equipment in case of an emergency.

For More Security Tips And Solutions, Stick With Boyd & Associates.

If you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself, your family, and your travels safe, check out our home security and automation services at Boyd & Associates. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family.

If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

 

Securing Your Belongings While Traveling

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Securing your belongings while traveling is important to ensure that you have a safe and stress-free trip. Here are some tips to help you keep your belongings secure while traveling:

  1. Choose the right luggage: Invest in high-quality luggage that is durable and has strong locks. Hard-shell suitcases are often more secure than soft-sided ones, as they are more difficult to cut open.
  2. Use TSA-approved locks: Use TSA-approved locks to secure your luggage. These locks can be opened by TSA agents without damaging your luggage, which can save you time and money if your luggage is selected for inspection.
  3. Keep your valuables with you: Keep your valuables such as your passport, money, credit cards, and electronics with you at all times. Use a money belt or travel pouch to keep your valuables close to your body, or use a small backpack or purse that you can carry with you.
  4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Divide your cash and credit cards into multiple places. If you lose one set of cash or cards, you will still have some left.
  5. Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings and be aware of any suspicious activity. Avoid leaving your luggage unattended in public areas and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  6. Use hotel safes: Use the hotel safe to store your valuables when you are not using them. Make sure to use a unique code or password to ensure that your belongings are secure.
  7. Don’t trust strangers: Be wary of people who offer to help you with your luggage or belongings. Scammers can use this as an opportunity to steal from you.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your belongings are safe and secure while traveling. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off.

For More Security Tips And Solutions, Stick With Boyd & Associates.

If you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe, check out our home security and automation services at Boyd & Associates. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family.

If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

Home Security and Spring Cleaning Guide: How to Prep for Safer, Warmer Months

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Depending on the weather in California, you may find yourself in flip-flops one day and furry boots the next. But there is no denying that despite our rainy Winter so far this year, Spring is coming!

With this years harsh cold and flu season, many of us have become cleaning and disinfecting ninjas — so a little spring cleaning? No sweat! Take advantage of this mindset, and any extra time you have at home, to make your home a more pleasant place to be.

But don’t stop at dusting and power-washing; it might be time to clean up your home security, too!

Statistics have shown that crime often rises after we “spring forward” at Daylight Saving Time.

When the temperature rises outdoors, we take more time off, get more active, go on more vacations, and just stay out later. It’s probably no coincidence that home burglary rates increase during the summer months, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Some spring cleaning tasks can make your home safer.

For some, spring cleaning may be the one time of year you do a thorough deep cleaning and decluttering of your entire home. This is when we address the areas that might often get passed over, which means the furniture is getting moved, and doors and windows are being examined. It’s a good opportunity to uncover safety issues or spots where a burglar might try to break in.

Like anything else in your home, security alarm systems need regular maintenance.

If you have a smart home security system, you have probably noticed they do a lot of the thinking for you (that’s the point!). It’s easy to adopt a set-it-and-forget-it attitude. But a little bit of maintenance and regular check-ins go a long way — and milestones like Daylight Savings and the start of spring are great reminders to do just that.

Set yourself up for a safer, more secure spring and summer by making home security part of your spring cleaning ritual.

If you own a smart home security system, there are a few extra tasks we suggest adding to your checklist:

  1. Sanitize your security and home automation equipment.

Some of the equipment you use to control and secure your home may be hands-free — like a motion sensor — and some you might touch every day, like your panel.

From your smart thermostat to your security panel to your cameras, make sure your security and home automation devices are on your spring cleaning list. Too much dust and debris can interfere with how devices like smoke detectors function. Play it safe and keep ’em clean!

  1. Set up a schedule to test your system.

If you have professionally monitored security, it is important to test your system to make sure it’s communicating properly with the monitoring center. It is simple to do and will give you peace of mind.

We recommend testing once a month, and after making any adjustments in your home that may impact your systems, such as landline, internet, and broadband service changes. If you are planning to do any remodeling or home renovations, make a note to test your system afterward. It’s also a good idea to do a test a week before taking a vacation as an extra precaution.

  1. Update your emergency contacts.

Take a minute to make sure all of your account information is correct, and update your emergency contacts. Your emergency contacts are the people your monitoring team will call if anything goes wrong, and they can’t get in touch with you.

  1. Set up your security notifications.

All the bells and whistles that come with a smart home system are amazing, but ultimately, your safety and peace of mind is what it’s all about. Alerts and notifications provide instant awareness anywhere via your smartphone. If you haven’t programmed any alerts or notifications for your system yet, get started now!

Get smart home security for better home protection this spring

A professionally installed and monitored smart home security solution will give you peace of mind and confidence, especially during your warm-weather excursions.

Even if you’re still on the fence or aren’t sure what you need in a system, you can learn more about the benefits of smarter security by contacting us today!

 

 

 

Protecting Your Assets: How to Secure Your Bank Accounts

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Banking is a crucial part of our daily lives. We trust banks to keep our hard-earned money safe, but unfortunately, they aren’t immune to theft or fraud. With the rise of cybercrime, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your assets in the bank. Here are some simple tips to help you secure your bank accounts:

– Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Your passwords should be long, complex, and unique to each of your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.

– Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi can be a breeding ground for hackers. When accessing your bank accounts on public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

– Watch out for phishing scams: Scammers often use emails and text messages that appear to be from your bank, asking you to provide sensitive information. Always double-check the sender’s email address and never click on links in unsolicited emails.

– Keep your software and anti-virus programs up to date: Regularly updating your software and anti-virus programs can help prevent cyberattacks.

– Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts by regularly checking your statements and transactions. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your bank.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect your assets in the bank and keep your money safe. At Boyd & Associates, we understand the importance of home security, and we offer a range of products and services to help keep you and your assets safe. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Prevent and Extinguish Electrical Fires in a Commercial Building

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, structure fires in professional buildings account for millions of dollars in property damage each year. Electrical distribution and lighting are the second leading cause of these fires, making up approximately 15% of the total property damage. Taking a proactive approach to fire safety and prevention will lower the likelihood of an unexpected blaze and keep your business and employees safe. Here are some tips for preventing and extinguishing electrical fires in commercial buildings.

Perform Regular Maintenance On Equipment

Equipment that is damaged, dusty, or greasy could be prone to electrical fires. Keep your equipment in good working condition by following maintenance guidelines as recommended by the manufacturer. If you notice anything malfunctioning, contact a technician to have it serviced to prevent it from becoming a hazard.

Dust and grease may clog vents on equipment such as industrial exhaust fans, which can then lead to overheating and cause fires. If you notice this buildup on any devices within your workplace, clean them promptly.

Have Your Electrical System Inspected After Any Environmental Changes

Environmental changes such as a flood or a significant storm could damage equipment and your building’s electrical infrastructure and lead to malfunctions that result in an electrical fire. If any major environmental changes have occurred, have a licensed electrician inspect your system and verify it is functioning correctly.

They should evaluate the following:

  • Circuit breakers
  • Fuses
  • Wiring
  • Transformers
  • Switchboards
  • Switches

Don’t Overload Extension Cords Or Power Strips

Extension cords are commonly used to power workstations, particularly in office buildings, but they can be dangerous when overloaded. An overloaded extension cord could melt, burn wires, or create sparks that cause a fire.

When using extension cords and power strips in your workplace, follow their ratings and use guidelines. If in doubt, refer to the wattage labels on the appliances you intend to plug into the cord and ensure that they don’t exceed your extension cord’s rating.

Electrical Work Should Only Be Done By A Professional

Ensure that any electrical work or maintenance performed within your workplace is done by a licensed electrician. Electricians have the skills to evaluate how to best arrange power sources and equipment within your workplace for safety and functionality. A professional electrician will have the latest training on electrical codes and best practices and take care to ensure that work is done safely and correctly.

How To Put Out An Electrical Fire

The most important thing to remember about electrical fires is that they should not be extinguished with water. Water is an electrical conductor, and pouring it on an electrical fire could cause electrocution. Instead, use these tips:

  • If possible, cut the power to the equipment involved in the fire.
  • Smother the fire (if it’s small enough) with a fire blanket or a Class C fire extinguisher

If you don’t have the tools you need or the fire is out of control, evacuate the area and call 911.

The Bottom Line

Electrical fires are typically the result of overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning equipment. With this in mind, regular maintenance and fire safety audits are essential for preventing these fires. While a Boyd & Associates commercial fire alarm system will ensure help is dispatched in an emergency, holding regular fire safety briefings with your staff will help them stay proactive about preventing fires.

Five Smart Home Security Tips for a Worry-Free Holiday Season

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Do you feel that your home is more attractive to criminals during the holidays?

Two-thirds of homeowners do, according to recent research. After all, with valuable package deliveries, brightly-lit windows and the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, it’s easy to make home security mistakes—or to worry about them.

If you’re concerned about holiday security and looking to step up your crime prevention game for the season, start with these smarter home security tips.

1: It’s easier than you think to deter a burglar.

Have you ever wondered if your home security system will really keep a burglar away? According to the experts (a panel of actual burglars), it will. 83 percent of burglars look for them, and 60 percent say they’ll go elsewhere if they spot one.

This means that it pays to make your security system visible. You can do this by adding smart outdoor security cameras, placing stickers and yard signs where they’re easily spotted, or automating your outdoor lights to put prowlers in the spotlight.

Don’t have any of these features? It might be time for a home security upgrade from Boyd & Associates

2: Avoid leaving gifts out for package thieves.

Not all holiday crime involves breaking and entering. With more Americans shopping for gifts online every year, the holidays have become prime time for package theft.

If you’re concerned about your gifts falling into the hands of a porch pirate, it’s worth investing in a home security setup that includes a doorbell camera and smart lock. This gives you the ability to secure any package delivery in seconds, using only your phone. It’s an easier alternative to staying home for valuable deliveries, and far smarter than leaving things to chance.

3: Safeguard against security mistakes when you travel.

Half of homeowners worry more about home security when they travel—and with good reason. The hustle and bustle of a holiday road trip leaves plenty of room for security mistakes like leaving your garage open or front door unlocked, or forgetting to turn your alarm on.

If you own a modern security system, be sure to set up a few smartphone alerts and reminders before you travel this year. You’ll know if you forget anything essential, and you’ll often be able to fix the problem without having to return home.

4: Connect with your neighbors for peace of mind.

Not every holiday security safeguard needs to be hi-tech. Teaming up with your neighbors is a simple and effective way to stay safe and worry less over the holidays. It’s also one of the most popular home security measures: this year, more than half of US homeowners will keep an eye on their neighbors’ homes when they travel.

If you’re teaming up with your neighbors this year, consider trading in your spare keys for a smart lock. While you may not be among the 20% of homeowners who lost their house keys this year, a smart lock with temporary user codes is worth it to ensure that no one else loses them for you.

5: Think beyond the holidays for long-term protection.

Not all home security technology is the same. If you’re looking for year-round, whole-home protection, it’s worth doing some research before hopping online to buy a standalone doorbell camera as a quick fix. It’ll cover your front door, but not much else.

A complete smart  security system gives you many more ways keep your home and family safe–such as professional monitoring for emergencies, connected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety, and safeguards like unexpected activity alerts and “crash and smash” protection.

For more information on options to upgrade or add on a new system, contact Boyd & Associates today!

Halloween Safety

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Halloween can be known as a scary time of year, but it’s also a time for fun costumes and delicious treats! Scaring should always be good-natured and not pose any real threats. The best Halloween is a safe Halloween. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your family have a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience.

Treats, not Tricks

Parents: even if your younger children are going in a large group it is still advisable to walk with them while they trick or treat. Also, make sure you tell kids not to eat any candy while trick-or-treating (as difficult as that may be for them) until you have inspected it thoroughly. Make sure all wrappers are closed and there are no signs of tampering. If a candy wrapper is open, discard the candy.

Many homes go all out for Halloween with decorations and may even invite trick-or-treaters inside. Never enter a stranger’s home alone, and make sure a trusted adult is with any children before entering an unknown home. If a house is completely dark, it is best to skip that house and move on to the next one. It is never good to encourage a child to approach a dark home, and typically this means the residents do not want to be bothered.

Walking at Night

While walking around at night, visibility is crucial. Carry flashlights and give each child a glow stick to wear around his or her neck. They can even be incorporated into the costume. Cracking the glow sticks to activate them can also be made into a fun Halloween activity! You can also purchase reflective tape at hardware or sporting goods stores to apply to costumes and candy buckets.

Stay on the sidewalk whenever possible, or if there isn’t one then stay as close to the side of the road as possible and walk against traffic. Remind children that safety is still the number one priority, and they should never dart out into the street even if it is full or trick-or-treaters. You cannot depend on motorists to drive more carefully just because it’s Halloween.

Costumes and Makeup

Halloween costumes and makeup can pose dangers of their own. Some costumes are made from materials that are highly flammable, and candles are often used in Halloween decorations. Make sure your costume is flame resistant, and make an effort to stay away from any open flames. Costumes that are ill-fitting can also be dangerous. Costumes that are too long or baggy can cause a child to trip or get caught in decorations. Good shoes are also extremely important when walking at night. It will be dark, and there could be lawn decorations or even just bumps in the road that cannot be seen. Shoes that do not fit well can cause you or your child to trip.

Some makeup is made from substances that are harsh on the skin or won’t wash off. Factor this into your plans for the evening, as sleeping with heavy makeup can cause it to get into your eyes which can result in an infection. If makeup is a major component of your costume, plan on showering before bed to get it all off.

SCARE SAFE

To easily remember all these safety tips, just remember to SCARE SAFE:

Stay in groups

Costumes should be will-fitting and flame resistant

Always test makeup

Remember to look both ways before crossing the street

Examine all treats before eating

Stay on the sidewalk

Avoid dark houses

Flashlights and glow sticks for visibility

Enjoy with caution!

Have fun, be safe, and have a happy Halloween!

 

The Best Hiding Places For Valuables In Your Home

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Installing a home security system in your home is a great way to ensure you and your family stay protected. It also ensures any valuable possessions you have are also secure. But it never hurts to add those extra layers of security. Especially when considering the best hiding places for valuables in your home.

It may feel a little overcautious or paranoid. And in some cases, hiding your possessions seems like something out of a heist or spy movie. But for those precious family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, or prized collectibles, why risk the possibility of losing them at all?

Check out this list of great hiding spots and ideas that you might not have thought of.

The ‘Safest’ Bet For Hiding Places For Valuables

Outside of storing your most precious valuables somewhere outside of your house, like a bank safe deposit box or a secure storage facility, investing in a high-quality safe is a great place to start. Some things to consider when buying a safe include:

  • Size and location – you want to be able to conceal it while also practically storing what you need to protect.
  • Type of lock – combination, lock, and key, or electronic keypad. Your choice will depend on your protection needs, frequency of use, and how many people will need access.
  • Consider bolting your safe to a floor or wall for added security.
  • Hidden safes like vent safes and safes built into the wall.
  • Some safes offer dehumidifiers and fireproof capabilities to protect sensitive materials further.

But depending on your living situation, a safe just might not be that practical to have and use. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to store, hide, and protect your valuables. Just be sure to avoid the obvious places. Forget about under your mattress, in a sock drawer, under a mat, in the cookie jar, in a desk or nightstand drawer, or fake rock by the front door. And keep valuables out of the master bedroom if possible.

Sometimes, the best hiding spot is the one that seems like it would be the last place you’d choose. Consider a few of these locations, which may even spur a few ideas of your own.

Find A Picture Frame

Not the back of the frame but rather the part between the frame and the picture. Most burglars won’t open up the frame to see what is inside. It’s a great way to hide important documents that you don’t need to access regularly. Now your favorite picture serves even more purposes!

Under The Carpet

Just like the picture frame idea, a small, accessible area of your carpet can be a useful hiding place. Simply pull back the corner of a room’s carpet and put cash or paper items underneath. And for even more protection, put heavy furniture over the area.

Use The Freezer

If you have a large storage freezer, you might also consider using it to store more than just food. Wrap valuables in aluminum foil and put them in the freezer with other frozen foods. Burglars probably won’t go through all the items in a freezer. Just be sure the items can’t be damaged by the cold!

Consider Lesser Used Rooms

Do you have a cluttered office room, storage attic, or even the laundry room? Obviously, you want to do everything in your power to prevent burglars. But sometimes it’s unavoidable. Instead, think about your defense as areas that potential thieves wouldn’t think to look in.

Fake Containers And False Bottoms

The ultimate trickery is to hide items in other items. Sometimes, those items can be decoys or fakes. Think fake canned goods that double as stash jars, in line with the real food in your pantry. Or even a garbage can, suitcase, or other storage container with a false bottom. From medical bottles to hollowed-out books, the possibilities are truly endless!

For More Security  Tips And Solutions, Stick With Boyd & Associates

Obviously, avoiding a burglary or home invasion altogether is favorable. And you should never confront a  burglar directly. This is why your best bet is always a monitored security system. But staying one step ahead of would-be criminals with some of the best hiding places for valuables never hurts your peace of mind!

And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out our home security services at Boyd & Associates. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

How to Prevent Home Invasion: 5 Important Tips

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Burglaries and home invasions are a primary fear for any homeowner. Your home should be a place of peace and comfort, and no one likes to think of their neighborhood as unsafe. But of the 2.5 million burglaries that occur in the United States, 66% are home invasions. Luckily, there are important steps you can take to learn how to prevent home invasion.

In general, if your home is clearly secured and well protected most burglars will likely bypass the home for an easier target. Especially if you’ve invested in a home security system. But it never hurts to over-prepare. Check out our round-up of tips to prevent home invasion and make your home as safe as possible.

  1. Secure Your Doors

Since doors are the primary entrance points for burglars, it makes sense to invest in the proper protection. And consider doorways beyond just your front door. Garage doors are often the easiest to breach, followed by the back door simply because they may be less monitored in general. Once hidden from view a burglar has more breaking-and-entering options available to them. Some general reminders to consider:

  • Replace rotted door frames so thieves cannot pry the door off its hinges. Use heavy-duty strike plates with 3-inch screws into wooden door frames.
  • All entrance doors should have a solid core (preferably metal).
  • Use heavy-duty, quality deadbolt locks with a knob-in-lock set and dead-latch mechanism.
  • Prevent fraudulent entry by installing door chains and wide-angle peepholes mounted no higher than 58 inches off the ground.
  1. Watch Your Windows

Of course, doors are not the only entry option for burglars. Since windows can also provide easy access for an intruder, it is essential that you take the proper measures to secure them. Particular attention must be paid to ground floor windows and windows visible at street level. Even upper floor windows can present a threat to your home, especially if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. The following are some general recommendations to better secure your windows:

  • Use blocking devices to prevent an intruder from being able to slide a window open from the outside.
  • Block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can’t reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device, or reach through and unlock the window.
  • In sleeping rooms, any window-blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes.
  • Use anti-lift devices to prevent intruders from lifting your windows up vertically.
  1. Lights, Camera, (No) Action!

Luckily, as technology has advanced, there are new ways to integrate exciting new features into your home. Simply put, home automation has changed the game. With amazing features like smart lights and door cameras, you not only add an incredible degree of convenience to your home, but you also provide an extra layer of safety. With lights that you can set schedules to, your home appears occupied no matter where you actually are. Plus all that light eliminates any potential opportunities for burglars to hide.

Cameras are a little more obvious in their benefit to home invasion prevention, but that’s a good thing! In many cases, a door camera can ward off a potential burglar before a crime ever occurs. And if it does happen, there’s video evidence to provide evidence in the event you need to recoup the value of anything lost.

  1. Lock It Up

Another upgrade to consider adding to your front doors is a brand-new electronic smart lock. Electronic locks for your front door are more secure and reliable than traditional keyed deadbolt locks. Additionally, they provide an abundance of other benefits like:

  • Coded keypads for safe, secure, and convenient keyless entrance for you and your family.
  • Control (and monitor) your locks from anywhere through a single app.
  • You can also assign unique and temporary codes for guests and workers when needed.

Smart locks have better durability than traditional locks that wear and tear from constant key use. Plus, keypad locks do not use traditional locking mechanisms, which adds to their overall security. Without the mechanical key and tumbler system, keyless systems are unable to be picked or bumped like a traditional lock. This gives your home an added layer of security and protection from potential intruders.

  1. Monitored Alarm Systems

At the end of the day, one of the best ways to secure and protect your home is to invest in a quality security system. But alarm systems are at their most effective as a deterrent to burglars when used properly, and when properly maintained. Get the most out of your home security system:

  • Keep your yard sign visible and put alarm company decals in your windows and doors.
  • Do not write your alarm code anywhere near your keypad or entryway.
  • Be sure to update your alarm company and central monitoring station with pertinent information including your response call list.
  • Test your alarm regularly to ensure all access to your property is protected.

For More Security And Home Automation Tips And Solutions, Stick With Boyd & Associates

It’s impossible to be 100% safe in anything, but with the right precautions and proper maintenance of your home security features, you can position your home and family to be as safe and protected as possible.

And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out our home security and automation services at Boyd & Associates. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.