Simple Home Security Aids

Home security products might be anything from inanimate objects to animals to elaborate automated systems that control nearly everything in the home. Burglars and thieves will most commonly select the easiest targets. Anything that hinders their access to a home or property is a deterrent.

Outdoor Security

Simple home security aids might include yard signs and window decals announcing that an alarm system is in operation when in fact there is none. Imitation security cameras work in a like manner. Realistic appearing security cameras give the impression that the property is under surveillance.

Plants can be add to your home's security when placed in a location that impedes burglars and trespassers. Plants with sharp leaves or thorns are good for planting around the boundary of your home and yard. Several possible species include Gorse, Berberis, Chaenomeles, Sea Buckthorn, and shrub roses. Prickly hedges are also excellent intruder deterrents. Common varieties are Hawthorn, Holly, and Rosa Rugosa.

Some homeowners install 'beware of dog' signs to imply that a guard dog is on the property. Also, depending on local law, if you have a dog and it bites someone, posting such sign may not prevent legal issues. Often, the mere presence of outdoor dogs is sufficient to alert homeowners of the presence of potential intruders. Even friendly dogs that do not appear friendly, are also an added deterrent.

Geese make an excellent outdoor alarm system. They will also require more care than inanimate home security aids.
Outdoor home security products might include lights with attached motion sensors. The lights are activated by movement. Mounting them near the front porch, garage and other areas of entry will discourage trespassers and burglars.

Some motion detection lighting systems can be adjusted to make allowances for outdoor pets. Some types of the motion detection lighting work with a heat sensor. They are not activated by small animals and pets but by humans who emit more body heat.

Simple to use, door and window alarms are available. These can actually be portable and can used in hotel rooms. This type of alarm can be easily connected to outbuildings such as garden sheds or workshops. A loud alarm sounds if someone tries to open the door.

Indoor Security

Indoor home security devices include individual alarms and protection devices or complete systems. Individual home security items include safes, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors and door and window sensors.

Using a small safe for the storage of important documents is a simple home security solution. Collectors will find a sturdy safe very useful in protecting coins, stamps and other small objects. Larger safes are also available and will be more expensive.

Chest type food freezers can be used to protect documents stored in tight, waterproof containers. Writers have long utilized freezers for saving computer disks and even entire manuscripts in the event of fire. Freezers won't however, provide the level of fire protection that a high degree rated safe will.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can now be purchased as combination units. Some include emergency lighting to help illuminate exit routes in case of emergency. Wireless units are the easiest to install and operate on batteries.

Simple home security products do not have to be expensive or require installation by a professional. Homeowners can use plants, pets and other solutions to add a layer of safety around the home.