7 Apartment Security Tips to Consider This Spring and Summer

As temperatures begin to rise and you’re excited for the warmer seasons ahead, it’s still a good idea to remain vigilant with your apartment security. Spring and summer might be a tempting time to leave the windows in your apartment cracked open while you’re away at work or to document your every spring break activity via photos posted on social media. But, neither of these actions are good ideas because you’re opening yourself up to potential theft.

Here are seven security tips to consider to help protect your apartment and valuables this spring and summer.

1. Use Outdoor Lighting and Timers

Does your apartment come with an outdoor light? If so, you may want to consider turning it on each night. This lighting may help deter potential burglars from your place, says Apartment Therapy. Some apartment buildings also try to keep walkways, parking areas and courtyards well lit. If you notice a light is out, or there’s an area that may benefit from some additional lighting, notify your landlord right away, says the Insurance Information Institute (III).

And, when you’re away from your apartment — particularly if you’re heading out of town for some time — consider installing timers to power a light or two, or a TV, to help give the appearance that someone is home, says the III.

2. Install a Security System

If your apartment doesn’t already come with a security system, you may want to talk to your landlord about having one installed, says Apartment Therapy. There are many kits you and your landlord can look into purchasing that do not require an invasive installation. You may be able to simply hang the devices in your place without much hassle. Some of these systems may also be able to be controlled by a smartphone. So, you can have the extra peace of mind of checking in on your home while you’re away.

3. Store Important Valuables in a Safety Deposit Box

To help protect important documents like a Social Security card or precious jewelry like your grandmother’s pearl earrings, you may want to consider getting a safety deposit box at a local bank to give yourself another level of security in case of a potential burglary in your apartment, adds Loyola University Chicago.

If there are some items you still want to keep in your apartment but you want to restrict access to, it may be a good idea to look into getting a safe, says Apartment Therapy.

4. Keep Spring Break Plans Off Social Media

When you’re on vacation, it can be tempting to share those memories and experiences on social media. However, you may want to hold off on posting until you’re back. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, these postings may be a sign to potential burglars that no one is home.

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors

To help report any suspicious activity around your apartment complex, it may help to get to know your neighbors a little bit, says the the III. You may be able to watch out for one another and notice when someone or something is out of the ordinary.

6. Always Lock Doors and Windows

According to the Baltimore County Police Department, most burglaries are likely the result of unlocked doors and windows. If you’re running down to get the mail or up to the rooftop deck to enjoy a fresh breeze, the last thing you want is to return to your apartment to find your valuables have been stolen. Keep all doors and windows locked, and make sure there’s a security bar in sliding patio doors or windows, says the III. Work with your landlord or the apartment complex’s management company to make sure exterior doors and those to common areas, laundry rooms, etc., are also kept secure, says Zillow.

7. Be Aware of ‘Deception Crimes’

Deception burglars are criminals who masquerade as contractors, utility workers, or some other type of professional repairman to take advantage of unsuspecting residents, says the Baltimore County Police Department. Be cautious of anyone coming to your door asking to make repairs, or requesting for access to your apartment for any reason. Request identification and call the company to get authorization before you ever consider allowing someone in, the Baltimore County Police Department advises. They also suggest keeping an eye out for similarly suspicious activity in the neighborhood, such as:

• Unmarked trucks with out-of-state license plates.
• Workers with no identification cards.
• Workers offering special deals and bargains.

A bit of caution may go a long way in helping protect your place and all your stuff. But if you feel like you need additional advice, or some tips that are specific to your unit, considering speaking with your landlord or your apartment complex’s management company for more help.

Originally published on April 9, 2013. 

Link to the article: https://blog.allstate.com/7-apartment-security-tips-to-consider-this-spring-and-summer/

Related articles: https://laforceinc.wordpress.com/2017/02/06/what-is-lock-bumping-break-in-prevention-apartment-security-tips/

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Homeowners’ Top Smart-Home Security Concern: Did I Lock the Door?

Lead with this on your next security pitch. Smart-home security survey by Wakefield Research and Schlage find that 75% of Americans second-guess whether they locked their front door.

Steve Karantzoulidis · July 14, 2017

A recent survey from Wakefield Research and Schlage, an Allegion brand of smart locks, reveals Americans’ No. 1 concern when it comes to smart-home security: “Wait… did I lock the door?”

Out of the 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed, 75 percent have felt uncertain about whether or not they locked their doors upon leaving the house. The data jumps to nearly 81 percent among parents and 83 percent among Millennials (we’re a forgetful bunch).

The survey also reveals that 43 percent of consumers have experienced or know someone who has experienced a break-in when they were not home.

“As technology evolves, locking devices will continue to advance and offer additional capabilities,” says Ann Matheis, marketing director at Allegion.

Security dealers and integrators should take heed of this new information. As the popularity of smart home devices continues to increase, there are a number of solutions available to ease end user’s fears. For example, the August Smart Lock Pro and Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt allow end users to double-check (and control) the status of their locks from anywhere with their mobile devices.

Additional Findings from the Home Security Survey

• Break-Ins: More than two in five Americans have personally experienced or know someone who has experienced a home break-in while away.
• Key Management: 56 percent of Americans have lost or misplaced the key to their home. Millennials and parents are more likely to do this, as 69 percent of millennials and 66 percent of parents have misplaced or lost the key to their home.
• Uncertainties: 75 percent of Americans have felt uncertain about whether they locked their doors when they have left home. Specifically, 83 percent of millennials and 81 percent of parents have experienced this.

 

Link to the article: https://www.cepro.com/article/smart_home_security_lock_door

Related articles: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/door-locks/buying-guide/index.htm

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How to protect your home from flooding

By: Sam Kantrow

(WTNH)–Lots of rain appears to be headed our way on Friday, and that’s cause for concern for many. With all of the snow on the ground right now, the rain and warm temperatures could cause some flooding, and you don’t want that water ending up in your basement.

Whether you’ve seen flooding before or not, the risk of flooding in your home is real over the next week. Combine a frozen ground, a foot of snow, and inches of rain in the forecast and your basement might not be dry for long. There are signs that flooding is likely, and the first sign is a crack in your foundation that has white or brown powder around it.

“Those are where the salts and other minerals get left behind as the water evaporates around your foundation. That’s an indicator that you have a water pressure build up outside your home,” said Jason Weinstein of Budget Dry Basement and Waterproofing in Killingworth.

Related: Basement flooding season begins

Any cracks that are thicker than two credit cards back to back are considered structural and should be inspected regularly. Also if you have any cracks that have been repaired, check those too.

“If the concrete is flaking off on any repair, it’s not of sound quality,” said Weinstein.

Also check to make sure windows are clear of water and snow, and that your hatchway is also dry.

“If the water builds up along side of the window, it’s going to want to come in and equalize. It will flood in, typically right underneath the frame,” Weinstein said.

Also if your house has a sump pump, shut the power off and put your pump into a five-gallon bucket filled with water. If it sucks up the water, it’s working fine.

Now on the outside of your house, make sure your gutters are cleared and that they run away from your house. If your land is graded towards your house, shovel a path in your yard so that rain water can run towards the road, and not towards your foundation.

Just so that anything that’s running is diverted, it’s going to help. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s going to help in this situation.

 

Link to the article: http://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/how-to-protect-your-home-from-flooding_2018040310320810/1097674589

Related articles: https://getwifed.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/how-to-protect-your-home-from-frozen-pipes/

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Amazon’s Door Lock Is Amazon’s Bid to Control Your Home

Written by:  Bruce Schneier

Interesting essay about Amazon’s smart lock:

When you add Amazon Key to your door, something more sneaky also happens: Amazon takes over.

You can leave your keys at home and unlock your door with the Amazon Key app — but it’s really built for Amazon deliveries. To share online access with family and friends, I had to give them a special code to SMS (yes, text) to unlock the door. (Amazon offers other smartlocks that have physical keypads).

The Key-compatible locks are made by Yale and Kwikset, yet don’t work with those brands’ own apps. They also can’t connect with a home-security system or smart-home gadgets that work with Apple and Google software.

And, of course, the lock can’t be accessed by businesses other than Amazon. No Walmart, no UPS, no local dog-walking company.

Keeping tight control over Key might help Amazon guarantee security or a better experience. “Our focus with smart home is on making things simpler for customers ­– things like providing easy control of connected devices with your voice using Alexa, simplifying tasks like reordering household goods and receiving packages,” the Amazon spokeswoman said.

But Amazon is barely hiding its goal: It wants to be the operating system for your home. Amazon says Key will eventually work with dog walkers, maids and other service workers who bill through its marketplace. An Amazon home security service and grocery delivery from Whole Foods can’t be far off.

This is happening all over. Everyone wants to control your life: Google, Apple, Amazon…everyone. It’s what I’ve been calling the feudal Internet. I fear it’s going to get a lot worse.

Link to the article: https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2017/12/amazons_door_lo.html

Related articles: https://novictims.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/supercharge-your-home-security-system/

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