Home Security and Safety For the Active Family

 Families today seem busier than ever.  Whether ifs picking up or dropping off kids at school, sports practices and music lessons or simply running daily errands like grocery shopping, family members are constantly coming in and out of the home.

In these busy times, here are some simple steps homeowners can take to keep their active families safe and secure:

- Increase safety and protection inside the home. Using locks on interior doors that lead to potentially dangerous or off-limits areas, such as utility closets-the garage, a home office and basement storage areas, can create a safer environment for all members of the household.

- Regularly check the batteries in smoke alarms. Experts recommend that homeowners make it a habit to check their fire alarms' condition at least one time per month.

- Increase visibility around your home. Consider installing a peephole in the entryway door to your home to gain a clear view of visi1ors. Keep hedges and bushes in front of windows and entryways trimmed back for increased visibility from both outside and inside the home. For added nighttime vision, also consider installing motion sensors around the perimeter of the home.

- Install timers for interior lights. Using timers on interior light is a great way to make sure that your house is lit at the same time every day, creating safer entry for the family in the evening hours and providing another deterrent to intruders.

- Control who has access to your home. To gain convenience and security, homeowners should consider installing an electronic keypad deadbolt on the primary entryway of their home, which gives access to family, neighbors and service people at all times.