| In this economy American families are cutting | | | | frames using screws that are at least an inch long. |
| back. They are tightening their fiscal belts and | | | | If you've got glass doors, consider covering them |
| reining in all unnecessary expenses. No more | | | | with protective film which prevents the glass |
| fancy three dollar lattes and frapuccinos | | | | from breaking. |
| smothered in whipped cream; the same goes for | | | | Make sure to keep your shed and garage locked |
| daily lunches out and splurging on weekend | | | | at all times. Don't leave your garage open even if |
| shopping sprees. But there are just some things | | | | you are at home, as this makes a great |
| that shouldn't be skimped on and that includes | | | | opportunity for thieves to window shop. |
| home security. There's no price tag that you can | | | | Trim any tree branches that are close to upper |
| place on having peace of mind and knowing that | | | | level windows. Be sure to place locks on your |
| your family will be safe in their own home. The | | | | windows as well. Consider planting rose bushes or |
| fact of the matter is that home security simply | | | | other thorny plants under windows to act as a |
| makes solid sense and truly, you needn't spend a | | | | natural deterrent. |
| fortune on a decent home alarm system. | | | | Get a timer for your lamps and perhaps a radio |
| Even as we cut down on expenses, staying away | | | | or TV. Make your home look lived in all the time. |
| from buying that new computer or a new car, | | | | Thieves are less likely to break in when people |
| we can not afford to simply forget about home | | | | are home; they simply want to get in and out |
| security. In times of economic hardship, petty | | | | without much fuss. |
| robbery and break-ins become more common; | | | | When throwing out prescription medicine bottles, |
| people are tense and worried. Crime tends to rise. | | | | be sure to take off the label so that your |
| Thus increasing your home's security is simply a | | | | personal information can't reach prying eyes; drug |
| good idea. | | | | addicts sometimes look through garbage they'll |
| The good news is that most home security | | | | break into your house if they know you take |
| systems don't cost much at all and there are | | | | certain types of pain medication. Make sure to |
| even some measures that you can put into | | | | shred any financial documents or bank |
| practice that cost little to nothing and that will | | | | statements before you throw them away too. |
| increase your home security significantly. | | | | Consider getting a home alarm system or |
| You can take a trip to the hardware store and | | | | upgrading if you've already got one. The simple |
| upgrade your locks. This is inexpensive and easy | | | | presence of a home alarm works as a deterrent. |
| to do; it shouldn't take more than an hour or two. | | | | You can also install a DIY system if you're looking |
| Be sure to buy steel reinforcement plates for | | | | to save a couple of extra bucks. |
| your door and deadbolts. Secure your door | | | | |