Home Solutions: Make home security a no-expense priority

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, a protected home brings peace of mind. Even with neighborhood public safety agencies, it's important for you to to make your home secure.

Expensive security systems are not the only option. Depending on your home and neighborhood, you may not need the fanciest system.

A large family with someone almost always at home is less risky than an individual living alone. Your personal property value also is a factor, although thieves can be tempted by less valuable items if they believe easy cash is involved.

These tips can make your home safer without spending any money.

Trim shrubs back from doors and walkways.

 Keep storage shed locked and don't leave tools out.

 Keep lawn mowed and exterior of house maintained.

 Plant thorny shrubs beneath windows.

 Promptly change burned out outdoor lights.

 Hide valuables.

 Break boxes down from new purchases and hide them in trash/recycling bin.

 Don't leave "emergency" house keys under the doormat.

 Keep tree branches trimmed back from windows and the roof.

 Keep garage doors sturdy and locked.

 When leaving the house, lock doors and leave TV or radio on.                  

Hopefully these tips will help make your home less of a target. Remember, home security is as much a matter of employing common sense as it is gadgets and gizmos.

Resource: HomeSecurity.com

- North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability. The universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation, NCSU, N.C. A&T State, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating.

Trudy W. Pickett is extension agent, family and consumer science, at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at (252) 527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.