With winter travel and holiday gatherings, securing your home in Evanston, IL is all the more important. There is nothing worse than venturing out for those last minute gifts and returning home to a break-in. Fortunately most thefts are carried out by amateurs, and there are several things you can do to protect your home, valuables, and loved ones. Here are a few tips.

Check Windows and Doors

Pay close attention to all the entry points of your home. Test the locks on windows and doors to make sure they are in good condition and function properly. Not sure if your windows and doors are up to snuff? You can call a locksmith or window and door professional to find out. If your locks are outdated and no longer functioning, it might be time to look at replacement windows.

Keep Valuables out of View

You don’t want to make breaking into your home look too attractive. So do what you can to put up blinds and shades in the windows, specifically in areas of the home where you keep your big screen and sound system. Make it difficult to see into your home so you are a less likely target.

Really Hide Your Spare Key

Ideally you should not hide a spare key at all. If possible you should leave it with family or neighbors. But if you do need to hide a key, do not keep it in the usual places. Burglars will check under the doormat or the in the flowerpot next to the porch. Instead, come up with somewhere unique and creative that only you and your family will know about.

Pretend someone is Home

The holidays are often a time for travel. If you do intend to be away from home for a few days you want to give the impression that you are still there. Lighting timers inside and motion lights on the front and back doors will be a huge deterrent. Most thieves do not want to be illuminated for all to see while they try and break into your home. You also want to make sure you have someone to collect the mail and newspapers. If those pile up it is a dead giveaway that no one is around. And don’t leave the curtains open.

Lock your Shed and Garage

You do not want to give any burglars easy access to tools that will help them break in to your home, so make sure you keep the tools locked up. And it doesn’t hurt to mark your property with a distinctive paint or signature. This will make them easier to identify should anything go missing.

Eliminate Easy Hiding Places

You want to make sure the area around your windows and doors is clear. Do not plant bushes or trees right next to the front or back door. Otherwise they will simply shield the intruder from view and give them more time to try and break in unseen.

Home Security System

Look at getting an alarm or camera security system. There are some solar or battery operated systems that do not require any wiring, and at least they will act as a deterrent for any would-be thieves. And if you do have a security system, be sure you regularly change the codes.

If you are looking to upgrade your windows and doors to make your home in Evanston, IL more secure, contact (847) 752-0370. At Scientific Home Services we treat your home as if it were our own. This is why we are one of the most trusted window and door companies in Evanston, IL. Stop by 7240 Saint Louis Ave., Skokie, IL 60076 if you have any questions about replacement windows and doors.