Mark Skeen

What is one of the top priorities in life? Keeping your home and family safe. Today, it’s easy to make that goal a reality by employing a few simple strategies. As a leader in the home security industry, I’ve spent decades helping individuals and families find the best way to keep their homes secure. For the most part, it boils down to the same 4 essential steps. Are you utilizing these in your house?

Installing A Security System

Installing a security system is one of the easiest ways you can keep your property safe. As one of the founding leaders of Qolsys, I’ve had an active role in developing systems that are efficient, safe, and fun to use. One of the coolest features of utilizing a home security system is to explore all of the additional features. For example, the IQ Panel 2, offers a homeowner so much more than peace of mind. This first-in-its class system is a home security and a smarthome platform. The panel features live a video feed, temperature controls, and wide variety of applications used in conjunction with your phone. I’m more than an active user and improver of the panel–I’m a lifelong fan of how a home automation system can improve your life in so many ways.

Change the Locks

Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or you’ve lived in the space for decades, changing the locks is an easy way to provide an extra level of security. Over the years, it becomes common to hand out keys to guests. Babysitters, close friends, your children all receive copies of your house key. While it may not be intentional, keys can be lost or misplaced. This is not ideal. Make it a habit to change your keys frequently, especially every time you move.

Even better, if you’re utilizing a smart panel or security system, there may be a keyless option that’s right for your home.

Don’t hide-a-key

While it may be tempting to hide a key outside your door, this practice can facilitate an intruder’s process. Think about it. There are not enough places outside your door to secretly stow away the key. If you must keep one outside, install a small, locked box that asks for a code before the key can be accessed. Another good place to hide a key? With a trusted neighbor.

Education

This last step is critical for all households with children. Make education a top concern and begin talking about safety early and often. You don’t have to rely on scare tactics to impress the importance of home security onto your children. Turn the lessons into a meaningful conversation on the possible implications. Be sure to stress the ‘why’ of each step. Children are much more likely to remember these lessons when you provide a clear context.

What are the top lessons to share with your kids?

• Keep doors and windows locked
• Understand how to disarm security system
• Never open the door when home alone
• Never get into a car with a stranger  
• Discuss fire exits and create a spot where the family meets in the case of an emergency
• Help kids memorize phone numbers of emergency contacts
• Remind kids to be a good neighbor and to report any unusual activity they see