Women And Home Security
Author: Ralph Winn

Single women reign supreme in today's housing market. According
to the National Association of Realtors, single women compose
the largest segment of the home-buying industry after married
couples. Most of these women are first-time homeowners who
consistently cite home security among their main concerns.
Whether you're renting or buying, here's a list of specific
options to address the needs of women and their home security.

Security Systems

For single women, especially those living in urban areas, home
security and personal safety are ranked among their top
priorities when looking to rent or buy a property. A
comprehensive home security package will ensure your personal
safety and that of your property. Some options to consider in a
home security system are:

• Installing an alarm kit, the basic component of any good
security package. Most hardwire alarm kits vary greatly in price
and options, but a good kit should allow you to customize your
security system by adding different accessories. If you are
renting, consider a wireless alarm kit, which can be easily
removed and re-installed as you move.

• Vamping up your outdoor lighting. Installing a few motion
sensor lights in key areas – over the garage door, in the
backyard, and at the sides of the house – can greatly improve
security around the perimeter of your house.

• Installing window contact sensors or glass-break detectors.
Windows are especially vulnerable to burglars, so deter
potential criminals and be alerted as break-ins occur with these
two handy window features.

• Installing a surveillance system with Internet features.
Don't have a dog? A web-based surveillance system will allow you
to monitor your home via the Internet and can serve as your
virtual watchdog while you're away from home.

Smoke and Heat Detectors

A fire is one of the biggest threats to home and personal
safety: According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the
most common disasters in America, killing more Americans every
year than all natural disasters combined. Smoke detectors with
heat sensors are your best way to protect yourself against a
fire. Make sure all smoke detectors are in good working order.
Install one smoke detector on each story of your home nearest
any bedroom doors – inside the bedroom itself if you sleep with
the door closed.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills
hundreds and poisons thousands of people every year. Unlike fire
alarms, carbon monoxide detectors don't always come standard in
your housing options. Women can help ensure their home security
– and personal wellbeing – by installing a carbon monoxide
detector in a common room near the bedroom.

Water and Flood Sensors

It's true; the words "home security" are not usually synonymous
with "water sensors." But hey, you've invested your money and
time into a house; it's time to start thinking of your home as
an investment. A leaky water pipe or burst washing machine hose
can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage while you are
asleep or at work. A water sensor with auto dialer can sound an
alarm at the first detection of water, shut off the water line,
and alert you to the problem via phone within minutes,
preventing an expensive and messy repair job.

Common Sense

Of course, the best thing women can do to increase their home
security is use common sense. Get to know your neighbors, be
cautious on the streets alone after dark, check out the crime
statistics for your neighborhood, and never enter your house if
you suspect a break-in. Your greatest asset in protecting your
home security can be your trusty women's intuition.


About The Author: Ralph Winn. 35 years in the
http://www.homesecuritystore.com Home Security industry.
http://www.home-security-systems.net Home Security Systems and
http://monitoring.homesecuritystore.com Alarm Monitoring tips.