Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be pretty stressful and overwhelming to get through the massive list of to-dos. If you’re in the process of moving or have recently moved, we urge you to make sure that you add reviewing your new home’s security to the top of your list (sorry if you’re already flat out – you won’t regret it!). Put it this way – you’re investing a lot of time and money in this next step in your life, so it makes sense to keep it protected! So just what should you be considering when it comes to the security of your new home? Location The area and property that you’ve moved into will have a big impact on the kind of security you’ll need. A property in the city or the suburbs will have different security risks to a home in a more remote area. Similarly, security measures will differ depending on whether it’s a house, apartment or another dwelling such as a houseboat. If you are moving into a property near the bush, we’d recommend considering things like bushfire protection and cyclone protection. Remember, it’s not just a break-in that you need to protect your property from! If you are near or on the water, you’ll want to think about how that may impact your security through things like rust and corrosion. It’s best to go with security screens that are built to withstand corrosion from salt. Your entry points This one is pretty obvious – but the best way to ensure you’ve got all the bases of your security covered is to do a walk around of your property to identify all the entry points. This includes areas such as your garage and shed, for example. Entry points can extend beyond doors as well. Look at windows that are large enough for a body to enter through and openings like skylights and ventilation coverings. Change your locks One of the key things (pun intended) you should do to maximise your new home’s security is to ensure all the locks are changed. That extends to locks and security codes on your main doors, garage doors, and sheds. The previous occupants may have shared their spare keys with others, such as family members, friends, cleaner, or dog-walker. We’d be safe in saying that you don’t want any unwanted guests showing up thinking that the previous occupants still live there. Changing locks is definitely an option to consider, but before you go ahead and get all the locks changed, you should also consider the security measures they are attached to. A lock can only go so far as to keep out unwanted guests, but if they are attached to an entry point that can otherwise be easily breached, you’ll want to update these as well. Check the condition of existing security While you are doing a walk around of your property, be sure to review the state of the security that’s in place for those entry points. For doors, check the door frames, door jambs and strike plates for any rot and other signs of damage. For windows, inspect the frames, security bars, and window locks for signs of damage or weakness. If your doors and windows have screens, check to see if they are rusted, broken or feel frail in any way. If you discover any urgent repairs, be sure to schedule them sooner rather than later. Update or replace security? When it comes to securing your home, you don’t want to put a band-aid over any risks. You’ll want to make sure that the security you have will stand the test of time. If repairs will only bring your security to a ‘good enough’ level, a complete replacement to a higher quality system is the better option. And when it comes to a better option, you can’t get stronger or better than Crimsafe. Here’s why: We’re stronger than the rest, with thicker mesh and Screw-Clamp™ technology that outperforms competitor screens. It looks great – which is a big plus for your new pride and joy. Crimsafe allows for quick emergency escapes. Our unique Safe-S-Cape® is a keyless exit system that is easy to use from the inside but still provides complete security and protection from the outside, keeping you and your family safe. It’s corrosion-resistant – a big tick if you live near the water! We’re bushfire compliant to the highest risk rating. Our screens are cyclone resistant, withstanding the impact of flying debris up to 392kph. To get started with securing your new home to the highest standards, get in touch with your nearest Crimsafe supplier for a free measure and quote today.