mary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose

Tips on Being Safe Inside and Outside Your Home - Part 1

Many people do not understand why they may be a target for home invasion. How could anyone think of breaking into my home or hurting me--I am a nice person--I pay my bills on time and I obey the law. Remember, burglars do not care. They are out to get whatever it is you have that provides an interest to them. If your home has any of these problems, you may want to consider changing the way you do some things.

There are several simple things you can do to make it so burglars will not want to attempt breaking into your home. These tips are provided as a reference point--not to be confused with some things that will definitely keep burglars out. If a burglar wants in your home--he or she will get there.

1. We all like privacy, but are those hedges and trees doing anything but making your yard look messy? Keep your plants, trees and hedges trimmed nicely so your home can be seen by your neighbors and anyone passing by your home, especially the police when they are out driving the streets of your town or city.

2. Outside lighting is great to use. Make sure that all areas around your home are brightly lit, especially the entrances. Many homeowners are now investing in motion activated lights to place in various locations that would provide access to their homes.

3. Try using extended length deadbolts. These are longer than the customary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose y

erest to them. If your home has any of these problems, you may want to consider changing the way you do some things.

There are several simple things you can do to make it so burglars will not want to attempt breaking into your home. These tips are provided as a reference point--not to be confused with some things that will definitely keep burglars out. If a burglar wants in your home--he or she will get there.

1. We all like privacy, but are those hedges and trees doing anything but making your yard look messy? Keep your plants, trees and hedges trimmed nicely so your home can be seen by your neighbors and anyone passing by your home, especially the police when they are out driving the streets of your town or city.

2. Outside lighting is great to use. Make sure that all areas around your home are brightly lit, especially the entrances. Many homeowners are now investing in motion activated lights to place in various locations that would provide access to their homes.

3. Try using extended length deadbolts. These are longer than the customary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose

If a burglar wants in your home--he or she will get there.

1. We all like privacy, but are those hedges and trees doing anything but making your yard look messy? Keep your plants, trees and hedges trimmed nicely so your home can be seen by your neighbors and anyone passing by your home, especially the police when they are out driving the streets of your town or city.

2. Outside lighting is great to use. Make sure that all areas around your home are brightly lit, especially the entrances. Many homeowners are now investing in motion activated lights to place in various locations that would provide access to their homes.

3. Try using extended length deadbolts. These are longer than the customary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose

our town or city.

2. Outside lighting is great to use. Make sure that all areas around your home are brightly lit, especially the entrances. Many homeowners are now investing in motion activated lights to place in various locations that would provide access to their homes.

3. Try using extended length deadbolts. These are longer than the customary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose

mary deadbolts and go into the framing of your door. They make it harder to break down the door. Do make sure your door frame is sturdy.

4. Avoid hiding your most valuable possession--your house keys--in obvious spots around your house and yard. If you must have a key available outside, let a trusted neighbor or friend keep one for you. If you lose your keys you will still have access to your home. Then you must change your locks as soon as possible.

5. You can brace your patio doors with a sawed off broom handle or a metal rod. This will prevent entry other than actually breaking the sliding glass doors. This may also be applied to sliding window frames.

6. If you have decided to buy a burglar alarm make sure you buy it from a trusted source. Put up signs and window stickers that say you have a home alarm. Make sure all windows have locks that work. Noisy pets also make a great deterrent.

7. You may also consider placing individual motion detecting alarms and other self-defense products around your home. Put the self-defense products you would use in places that are readily accessible. You may want to get to them quickly.

Home safety and defense is primarily common sense. When you cannot do some of the things suggested, you may take other measures to protect your valuables and yourself--remember to always remain within the law. The next article will present different ideas for home safety and defense.