There are many ways to secure your home, your family, and your belongings. This article represents the top ten approaches that Smart Security People have recognized as being the most effective in keeping intruders at bay and your family safe.

1. Lock Your Doors: I know that this sounds very basic and you would think that it is a “no brainer” but folks really need to make sure they lock their doors. It is the easiest approach to securing your home.
2. Lock Your Windows: Again.. this is one of the easiest things you can do but people seem to forget the obvious. Especially make sure that you lock and secure windows that are on the lower level and may be obscured by bushes or privacy fencing. Window air conditioners are popular entry methods for burglars, make sure those are secured as well. Lastly, put up some curtains or blinds. It maintains the privacy of your home and belongings… and besides.. your neighbors will be grateful as well. (Remember.. “ugly naked guy” from FRIENDS?)
3. Invest In A Light Timer: This is really important if you plan on being away from your house for a period of time and you want your home to maintain the “lived in” look to those passing by.
4. Install Motion Lights Outside Your Home: Motion lights, when first introduced, used to be very pricey and only the more affluent could afford them. Now you can get them just about anywhere (Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, WalMart, etc..) and you can pick them up for less than the cost of a meal at a sit-down restaurant.
5. Adopt A Dog: Go to your local Humane Society and find the biggest, friendliest, most intimidating dog that you can find and take him home. Even though he may be a very nice dog, any potential intruder will pass by your home if he sees your “new best friend” in the window.
6. Get An Alarm System: If you feel that you need that extra level of security, get a monitored security system from ADT or get a self monitored system. One will cost you more than the other but each have their own unique benefits.
7. Don’t Let Your Mail Pile Up: If you are going on vacation, pay the neighbor kid a couple of bucks each day to pick up your mail and pile of newspapers accumulating at your doorstep. You can feel good about contributing to the responsibility and welfare of the kid next door and knowing that you don’t have a big “We’re Not Home” sign on your front porch. If you don’t like the neighbor kid, fill out a form at the post office to hold your mail and call your local newspaper as well.
8. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program: This is actually a great way to get to know your neighbors and the bright orange with black lettered signs that you put in your windows will be sure to get noticed. Also, if you live in a “seasoned” (older) community, chances are that you have some retired people that are looking for something to keep them occupied during the day. Give them badges and a big stick and put them on sidewalk patrol. You will be surprised at how effective it will be.
9. Don’t Park Your Car Outside: If you have no choice because your garage is filled with your Star Wars action figure collection (1st and 2nd generation), that is ok. Just be sure to bring in your garage door remote each night. Nothing is scarier than waking up in the morning to find your car window broken, your garage door open, and your life size replica of Yoda missing!
10. Get A Vault: You don’t have to get anything fancy that has biometric sensors, a laser guided opening mechanism, and a retina scannner. The cheap thing that you find at your local discount store (BigLots) will do just fine. If you have it in your budget, spring for the fire proof rated model. Keep any important documentation (Car Titles, Birth Certificates, Wills) and valuables (Rings, Cash, Gold) in this vault.

Now of course, this is only the top ten approaches (judged and ranked by Smart Security People) that you can take in making your home and valuables more secure. We are positive that there are many more tips and tricks that can be utilized.

What are some things that you have done around your home to make it more secure and safe?