This weekend we’ve seen another heatwave. Thanks to climate change, heatwaves are becoming more frequent. But what has this got to do with your home security?

Heatwaves can impact the security of your home simply because when it’s hot we remove physical barriers to entry. Hands up who’s been sleeping with windows thrown wide open? In warm weather we’re more likely to leave windows and doors open to allow air to circulate. Given the health impacts of the high temperatures we’re seeing more frequently, the usual security advice of keeping windows closed and locked is often superseded by advice to leave the windows open to help you to stay cool.

In addition to leaving windows open, many people open doors either to spend time in a shady garden or to allow more air flow through the house. When you’re in the garden, it’s best to keep front doors closed and secured. This can prevent anyone sneaking in.

Well insulated homes remain cool, whilst fans, open windows and air cooling systems can help to ventilate your home to keep it cooler.

Preventing Sneak-in Theft During Heatwaves

Of course these measures open the door (literally) to sneak in theft. It’s tricky to balance. Fortunately there are plenty of measures you can take to protect your property from sneak in theft;

  • Keep valuables out of sight and easy reach of doors and windows
  • A gravel driveway and path can alert you to anyone approaching the property
  • CCTV is an excellent deterrent – a range of cameras available including full colour night vision. Make sure your cameras are constantly recording and have remote viewing facility.
  • Switch your house alarm on at bedtime. This way if anyone were to break in, you (and the rest of the street!) would know about it immediately. A monitored alarm goes a step further, calling for back up via an alarm receiving centre.
  • Tidy the garden – as well as stealing from the garden, intruders have been known to use ladders left in the garden to access higher level windows. Remove anything that might attract or assist a burglar.

Staying Cool Without Compromising Security

Closing your windows and blinds or curtains through the day can actually help to keep your home cooler by preventing sunlight and the warm air from outside entering your home. It’s better to open windows whilst you’re at home in the evening to let the cooler air in. Security wise it’s advisable to remain in the room where windows are open and to close them when you go out, or when you’re going to bed. Sash stoppers and window restrictors can prevent windows from being opened. Check your home insurance policy – it may not cover you if windows are left open.

Open doors within your home to allow the air to circulate, rather than leaving external doors open for anyone to wander in.

We know that dog owners will likely be walking extremely early in the morning or later into the evening – if at all. Unfortunately burglars also know and are likely to take advantage of empty homes at this time. It’s vital that you switch your home alarm on whenever you’re out, even if it’s for a short dog walk. It’s so hot for our furry friends! Our office dogs really have been enjoying the air con in recent weeks.

It’s our family business to protect your family and your business with home security systems and business safety solutions. Contact us for a free survey for home CCTV and intruder alarm installation.