9 Easy Steps for Senior Citizens to Protect Themselves and Their Homes

9 Easy Steps for Senior Citizens to Protect Themselves and Their Homes

Senior citizens are often seen as easy targets for robbery, burglary and similar crimes. As such, it’s important for seniors to be well-informed and to take every possible precaution to protect themselves from break-ins, fraud and other crimes.

There are a few easy steps that seniors (and their families and caregivers) can take to ensure that they remain safe and secure, as discussed in a recent Senior Living blog post. We’ll summarize those steps below.

Protect Your Identity

  1. Don’t have regular monthly checks – such a pension or Social Security checks – sent through the mail. Have them direct deposited instead.
  2. Don’t include sensitive personal information in emails or text messages.
  3. Beware of scams – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Increase Your Home Security

  1. Make sure all doors are locked when you’re both at home and out. Lock windows as well.
  2. When someone knocks on the door, use a peephole or small window to verify their identity before opening the door.
  3. Don’t leave a door key under the doormat or hidden in another location near the door. Give keys to trusted family members or caregivers, or install a smart lock that can be operated remotely.
  4. Install motion sensor lights near doors and in dark places throughout the lawn.
  5. Choose doors made from solid wood or metal, and ensure that the doorframe is strong.
  6. Invest in a home security system. Not only are security systems the best way to prevent break-ins, but they can also be valuable in medical emergencies, fires and more. Security systems are especially important for seniors who travel regularly or live in a different city for extended portions of every year.

At KMT Systems, we aim to ensure that all Atlanta-area senior citizens are well-protected and safe. Our home security systems and smart home automation can be easily customized to fit your needs and budget. Get in touch today to get started!

Spring Break Home Security Tips

Spring Break Home Security Tips

Spring break is a great opportunity to get out of town, visit somewhere new and spend quality time with family. Unfortunately, it’s also a good opportunity for burglars and thieves to break into homes and steal electronics, jewelry and other expensive and sentimental items.

Does this mean that Atlanta families shouldn’t take spring break trips? Of course not! It just means that you’ll have to take a few extra steps to secure your home before heading out of town. We’ll share some spring break security tips below.

Make It Look Like You’re Home

Don’t make it obvious that you’re out of town. Set lights on a timer, or better yet, hook lights up to your smart home system and turn them on and off remotely. Ask a neighbor to take your mail and newspaper inside, and to put the trash cans out on garbage day. If you’re going to be gone for more than a week, make plans to have your grass cut.

Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans

In the age of social media, it’s tempting to post about your exciting spring break plans. But even with your privacy settings turned up, would-be burglars may still be able to see that you’ll be gone. Keep quiet about your trip until after you return.

Make Breaking In More Difficult

Install a deadbolt on your doors and windows, and use motion sensor lights outside of your home.

Monitor Your Home Remotely

A smart home system allows you to check in from wherever you are. Consider installing smart cameras, lights, door locks, temperature controls and more.

Install a Home Security System

By far, the best way to prevent a break-in from occurring while you’re out of town is to install and use a home security system. Not only will this protect your home, but it will also give you peace of mind, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy your long-awaited vacation.

Give KMT Systems a call before you head out on your spring break trip. We can install a home security system, help automate your home and much more. Trusted by more than 6,000 Atlanta-area homes and businesses, our award-winning security company is committed to your safety.