Home Sweet Home?

Securing Your Castle Against Intruders

Your home is meant to be a sanctuary — a place to relax and retreat from the stresses of the outside world. But disturbing events like home invasions and burglaries make it clear that danger can arrive right at our doorsteps. After learning about an incident that occurred in the state of Maryland, where opening the door to what appeared to be innocent trick-or-treaters led to a harrowing robbery …

How can we fortify our homes to keep our families safe?

The best defense is a good offense. Make it a habit to double-bolt locks on all doors and windows before heading to bed or leaving the house. Resist the urge to ever open your door to an unexpected visitor — instead, install a video doorbell so you can screen guests safely through your smartphone. Seeing faces and hearing voices before turning the knob provides a peace of mind.

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And don’t forget about Fido! Your faithful dog’s barking can also deter approaching strangers. Just be sure to train them not to jump on guests once allowed inside. Motion-sensor lighting around the exterior can also startle and expose prowlers.

If an intruder still manages to enter, escape plans are key. Make sure each family member knows alternate exit routes and where to rendezvous outside. Designate a windowless, barricade-ready room as a shelter to retreat to while awaiting police. Running safety drills helps instill preparation.

Other smart precautions include …

* Keeping your home insurance current,

* Trimming bushes that conceal entryways, and

* Installing security cameras

While we hope break-in attempts remain hypothetical situations, advanced planning can help limit harm.

Your home is your castle — so defend it like royalty! With vigilance and the right safeguards in place, you can outwit and outlast any potential intruders. Rest easy knowing your family resides in a secure fortress. A few simple habits now mean the difference between sleeping soundly versus keeping one eye open all night. Implement layers of protection to guard your home from frightening invasions.

“A man’s house is his castle.” — Sir Edward Coke