Home Security Test Part 2: Debunking Myths about Home Protection

Take this TRUE or FALSE quiz to hone up on your skills for protecting your loved ones and your home and property; 

6)  When you go out of town, you should leave your interior lights turned on so it will look like someone is home, especially at night. 

The answer is false. Rather than leaving your house dark or keeping the lights burning all day and night — a sure sign that no one is home, and a waste of electricity — you should set some interior and exterior security lights to go on and off at different times during the day and night. Use timers and/or install photosensitive lights that automatically turn on after dark and shut themselves off at daybreak. For an added dose of reality, you can even put the TV or radio on a timer so it will sound like someone is home as well.    

7)  Taking a visual and written inventory of your possessions can increase the odds of recovering them if they are stolen. 

The answer is true. Having photos, videos and serial numbers of your valuables can be extremely helpful in identifying your stolen goods. It's also a good idea to engrave your driver's license number on any expensive electronic equipment.     

8)  To protect small valuables such as jewelry and cash, hide them in unusual places such as dresser drawers, in the freezer or under a mattress. 

The answer is false. While it may sound odd to hide jewelry in the freezer or keep cash in a bag of flour, enough people do it that burglars will search all the usual (and unusual) hiding places. You are better off having a safe professionally installed in your home or a home alarm siren to protect your valuables.   

9)  Only the presence of a large-breed dog will deter a burglar. 

The answer is false. A burglar doesn't want anything to bring attention to him, and barking dogs can draw notice. Thus, even a tiny yappy breed can deter a burglar if it makes enough noise.     

10)  When you go out of town, you should record a new message on your home answering machine to let callers know where you are and how long you’ll be gone in case there is an emergency. 

The answer is false. Never record a message on your home phone indicating that you are away from home. If a burglar obtains your phone number, it's an open invitation for them to break in and help themselves.  

Let’s please remember that “Security and Life Safety is a Family Matter”.  We can truly make a difference when we are able to talk to one another to remind each other that the little things we can do can make a world of difference to having a more secure and safe environment.      

Related Articles
Home Security Test: How to Protect your Home from Burglars
Keep an Inventory of Your Home
Smart Homes – Smarter Living  

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