Home Security Tips for Seniors

Home security is a vital task for any homeowner, and especially for senior citizens. Protecting your household, your family, and your personal possessions is an easy task if you follow this guide. You should start by using premium locks and deadbolts on all doors and windows. Go to your local home improvement store and inquire about locking systems that will be easy for you to open, but secure enough to keep you safe. This is one of the most important steps that often gets overlooked. Cheap locks can be picked or broken with just a little force, so spend the extra couple of dollars to protect your home.

Another important aspect of home security for seniors is lighting. Install motion sensor lights in the front and back of your house. You can purchase dual-direction motion sensors to cover two sides of the house with one unit. These will deter criminals from entering your premises as they use the cover of darkness to commit their criminal acts. Also, make sure you keep bushes and shrubbery cut down allowing you ample vision through your windows. If a tree is in front of a window it will give a burglar easy cover to take their time and break in.

Once these important home security features are installed, look into purchasing a home security system. You can get add-on services such as 24-hour home monitoring and surveillance cameras which give extra protection without too much extra cost. I would recommend a home security system to any senior citizen who has been burglarized in the past, or who lives in a high crime location. If you decide on installing a home security system, make sure you get a sign or two for your windows and yard. These signs turn away thieves who are searching for an easy target. If you're a senior citizen living on a fixed-income and can't really afford an entire new home security system, purchasing a few yard signs saying your home is protected can help deter criminals from targeting your residence.

Finally, make sure you have adequate and easily accessible exit points in case of an emergency or burglary in progress. If you use a wheelchair, make sure you have a ramp in two separate exits of your house. If you have a criminal trying to enter, or even a fire that breaks out in one part of the house, having two exits will greatly increase your chances of survival. You should also give your neighbors a list of important contacts and ask them to keep an eye on your household. Most neighbors will be glad to help and this is an extra line of defense you have in keeping your home secure.

Senior citizens have extra areas of need when it comes to home security and following these tips and suggestions will keep you safe, secure, and give you confidence that your home is protected.