Your garage is one of the top things you should be ensuring is secure, due to the fact that it is adjacent to your home and also stores a great number of valuable items.
Generally, a garage stores your car, power tools and other expensive equipment and valuables that normally should be kept safe but separate from the house. Garages can also be a vulnerable area for a break-in into the home, thus should always be properly secured and locked with an alarm system installed preferably.
Because garages serve as a primary entry and exit way into a house, they are also more dangerous and targeted because they are less visible ways to enter the house than then a door or a window.
While we like to think we live in safe neighbourhoods, there is always a risk of opportunity from criminals unable to avoid the temptation of an unsecured garage in a nice neighbourhood. To make sure your garage is safe against attempted break-ins, ensure these tips are followed:
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Always keep the doors and windows closed and locked – Don’t ever go to bed without making sure everything in your garage is locked down, or you could wake up to an intruder in your home.
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Keep the lights on – A darkened garage that is easy to break into is the perfect invitation to be robbed. A brightly lit garage will make robbers uneasy and will also add nighttime beauty to your home. If you find that this option would be too expensive, a good alternative would be to install a motion-sensor light that will turn on, should anyone get too close.
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Install a secure garage door – You should have a protective, strong garage door built with high quality materials even if you live in a safe neighbourhood. Steel is your best bet for protecting your valuables.
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Cover windows – Installing curtains or some sort of cover over the windows will prevent anyone from looking in and seeing your valuables. Use something sheer so that light can pass through.
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Alarm system – A simple motion detector or door sensor can be an inexpensive and effective way to deter would-be thieves. You can install one with an audible alarm or a silent one, depending on your needs.
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Keep the keys on you – Never let your garage keys out of your sight, especially when you’re away from home. If your keys were stolen from your car a thief can enter your garage if they know your address,
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Never share your code – If your garage installation includes an alarm system keypad, make sure you change your code often and never share it with anyone – even neighbours. When using the keypad, ensure no one can see the numbers you press, but if you have to share the code for an emergency or other reason – make sure it’s someone you trust.
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Hide your remote – Don’t leave your remote garage door opener in a visible place such as clipped to your sun visor. If someone breaks into your car and finds your address, they would have total access to your garage and home.
Author Bio:
Anne Flemings loves interior designing and is always in pursuit of the latest changes and trends in home improvement. Her other interests lies in cooking, painting and blogging. She is an enthusiast homemaker who lives in Toronto with her husband and two kids. You can follow her on twitter and Google+