4 alternatives to buying a home security system

For the most part, a regular lock is good enough to keep your home safe. Many security systems can be very expensive and require a lot of maintenance. Here are some alternatives:

• If you have time and energy to take care of a family dog, you can also think of him or her as an added security measure.
• Dogs can be trained to bark when they hear noises or sense movement outside or inside the house.
• Large dogs can also scare off intruders. A loud bark can mean a vicious bite and most potential intruders won't want to risk the chance of getting attacked.

• If you're going away on vacation or leaving your home for a period of time, it might be a good idea to hire a house sitter.
• Having a sitter stay at your home means that there is a lower chance of a break in or damage to your home.
• Make sure to interview different candidates to ensure that you find the most trustworthy person to take care of your home when you're away.

• A neighbourhood watch program can be a helpful way to ensure that your house stays safe.
• If you don't already have one, you can talk to your neighbours about starting one up.
• Neighbourhood watch programs connect the people in your neighbourhood together. Everyone can keep an eye on each other's houses and report any suspicious activity in the area.

• Just because you don't have a home security system doesn't mean you can't make people think that you do.
• You can find home security stickers and signs at most home improvement stores. Display them in your front window.
• Stickers can make people think you have one installed and can help deter them from coming near your house.
• You can even purchase dummy cameras and alarm boxes as well. These don't have to be hooked up. Sometimes having equipment that looks like a security measure can reduce the chances of attracting intruders.

A home security system can provide an added layer of security to your home, but they're often very expensive to buy and maintain. With the right alternatives, however, you can get something that can keep your family, and your home, safe.