Of the many things we are constantly adding to our to-do lists, dealing with the aftermath of a break-in is the absolute last thing we want to add on as well. At the end of the day, we all just want things to move as smoothly as possible.  However, sometimes the things we do to make our lives more convenient can end up hurting us in the long-run. Find out what mistakes may be putting you at risk and what you can be doing instead to prevent break-ins.

Hiding a Key

Whether you’re hiding it under a doormat, in your bushes, or you “strategically” use a hideaway key tool, this is never a good idea. There are many more efficient and secure ways to do this. Consider using smart locks instead of hiding a key to your home where anyone could find it. Smart locks are easy to use and you can program up to 30 custom access codes so the only people getting inside are the ones who are supposed to be there. Whether it’s your sister who wants to drop off dinner while you’re stuck at work or your highschooler who forgets his homework at home, smart locks make it easy for only the right people to have access to your home, whenever. This keeps your home more secure and is an easy way to prevent break-ins! 

Leaving the Garage Door Open or Unlocked

How many times have you left your house in a hurry and asked yourself, “Did I close the garage door?” An embarrassing amount, right? Garage door openers do make it easier on us but even then we just forget sometimes. Good thing there is such a thing as a Smart Garage that gives you the status of your garage door open and can open and close it all from your smartphone!  Your garage can be easier to access than you may think. Of the 9% of burglaries that start from the garage, a majority of them or due to owner negligence and not force entry. 

Open Windows

As a general rule, we would recommend not leaving any door unlocked intentionally. It’s understandable, though, that keeping windows open can be much more tempting, especially during the summer months. Hopefully knowing that a shocking 23% of all home burglars use a first-floor window to gain access to your home will be enough to deter you from leaving them open. A simple way you can prevent a break-in can be just shutting your windows when you leave home.

Ready to make your to-do list a little more manageable? Call WISE today at 1-844-904-9473

Winter always seems to sneak up on us and before we know it, we’re pulling out the snowblower and cranking up the heat. Just like we have to bundle up and prepare for the cold this winter, we have to make sure our homes are ready for it, too. Here are some things you can do to help prepare and maintain your home all winter long.

Winter-Ready the Inside of Your Home

According to the American Red Cross, home fires occur most during December and January. The cause is mostly from either leaving your stove on or heating malfunctions. Trying to heat your home through unconventional methods can be very dangerous, it’s best to leave that job to your thermostat. Never try to heat your home using your oven. When using a space heater, it is safer to plug it directly into the wall without using an extension cord. When you are finished using it, don’t forget to unplug it from the wall. If a power outage does happen, it’s safer to use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns rather than using candles.

Another challenge homeowners face during the colder months is the possibility of freezing pipes. Leaving water faucets dripping slightly at night can help prevent pipes from freezing. You can also keep cabinets beneath sinks open so the pipes are exposed to heated air. If your pipes do freeze, you can defrost your pipes with warm air from a small hairdryer; do not use a blow torch. 

Winter-Ready the Outside of Your Home

Don’t pour warm water on your windshield to remove snow or ice. This could potentially shatter your entire windshield.  And to avoid going viral for having a not so graceful fall captured on your Ring Doorbell, consider salting all the walkways around your home. Even if there isn’t much snow, it can melt and refreeze into slick ice which makes for dangerous situations.  Lastly, don’t forget to clean out the rain gutters before the weather gets too bad to do it. A clogged gutter can cause ice build-up that can allow unwanted water back into your home. 

If you’re ready to get your home even better prepared this winter with a home security system, call WISE today at 1-844-904-9473!