Protecting your home and family is one of the most important things that you can do.  After all, what’s more valuable than the people that you love and the belongings you have worked hard for?  Effective residential security requires a multi-level approach.  It's a mix of strategy and technology to provide several layers of protection resulting in peace-of-mind and confidence.

Good home security starts with strategy.  Avoid the tell-tale signs that you are away.  Leave some lights on.  Place your second car in the driveway.   Be careful about telling your vacation plan to acquaintances and strangers.  Don't announce your travel schedule on your answering machine and never talk about your vacation dates on social network sites like Facebook, Linkedin and Myspace.  While your message may be intended for a private audience, your public stream may be visible to others.

Good strategy is complemented by good technology and security measures.  Install a monitored alarm for 24/7 security protection. Consider outdoor lighting to illuminate entry points and deny intruders the cloak of darkness. Even the landscaping of your home can be designed to discourage would-be intruders. Keep bushes and trees well trimmed to avoid creating hiding places around your home. Outdoor video surveillance is not just for business; consider an outdoor camera and video recording system to add an extra level of security.

Warning signage and window stickers are a major deterrent and should be the first line of defense.  Break-ins are most often crimes of opportunity.  If the odds are against the perpetrator, they will move on to a property with less protection.  After all, a proactive approach sends a clear message that you are prepared and that removes the advantage of surprise.  A well rounded security response tells criminals that you saw them coming and you're ready with a counter response they have yet to discover.  Criminals aren't looking for challenges, they're looking for an easy score.