A Guide to Securing Your Home

Whether you have just purchased your first home or you’ve recently become aware that your existing system requires a considerable overhaul, ensuring that your property is completely secure should take absolute priority. To many, this seems like a complex, high-pressure procedure that could easily be undertaken incorrectly, leaving them exposed. While this is possible, it doesn’t have to be that way if you understand everything that is required. That’s why NLS Security has put together this quick and easy checklist to ensure that you’ve taken all necessary steps to securing your home. Read on to discover all the ways you can keep your home and belongings safe.

1. Take Note of Every Possible Entry Point

Anything from a tiny bathroom window to a grate above an exterior basement door could prove a weak point for an opportunistic burglar. Methods of breaking and entering are getting ever more sophisticated, so be sure to write down any area where your home could be accessible to infiltration from the outside world, however unlikely.

2. Exterior Door Locks

It is always a good idea to fit your main front and back doors with at least two locking mechanisms. A consistently popular and effective combination is either a cylinder or mortice lock alongside a night latch (also known as a Yale lock after one highly prolific, high-quality manufacturer). However, you should also consider options for keyless entry. A digital lock with a keypad means you will never again find yourself locked out having misplaced your key, while biometric systems allow you entry using just your fingerprint - something no other individual will be able to replicate. It may also be worth your while to insert a viewer into your door to allow you to check who is visiting.

3. Window Locks

Windows are one of the most easily accessible points on a house, and are therefore preferred entrances for burglars. You should not rely on a simple latch to keep your home secure; locking casement handles are a great addition to your window security and are available in a variety of different styles and colours to match your decor. It’s also important to ensure that all skylights in the building are totally secured.

4. Interior Door Locks

Not only does the ability to lock bedroom doors add to your personal security, it also allows for enhanced privacy - as do high quality locks for bathrooms. In households with children, you may also need to consider locking storerooms, drawers and cupboards where chemicals and potentially dangerous implements are kept, for the sake of your youngsters’ safety. Simple, strong barrel bolts often serve this purpose perfectly.

5. Other Locks

You should also seriously consider securing any external structures that house valuable items, from sheds to bike stores to animal hutches. Padlocks, chains and heavy duty mortice locks are ideal for this purpose. Conservatories are another element of the home that is often relatively neglected in terms of security - however, they are also a popular entry point for break-ins, so it’s important to look into a sturdy multipoint or digital uPVC door lock to prevent this.

6. Safes

If you keep valuable items in your home, from cash to jewellery to electronics to documents, there is a diverse array of security boxes - or safes - available to choose from to ensure that everything is securely stored away. Safes can feature manual, combination, digital or biometric locks - and you can select from many other features too, including fireproofing and digital content protection. There are safes in existence that can be “sunk” into the floor of your home and disguised with furniture, so your valuables can be kept completely out of sight.

7. Electronic Security Systems

NLS Security strongly recommends the installation of a high quality alarm system in your home in case of an emergency, so it’s definitely worth shopping around to find the option that is best for you and your family. You can also choose to add close circuit television (CCTV) or other security cameras, allowing you to keep an eye on your property, deter criminal behaviour and report any incidents with evidence to hand.

If you want to know more about securing your home or upgrading your current locks and security boxes, all you need to do is contact NLS Secu rity today on 0191 238 6000 for expert assistance and advice from their team of friendly and knowledgeable specialists. The company also specialises in key cutting, safe installation, maintenance and engineering, lock replacement, access control and automobile keys