We talk a lot about home security systems, but your home’s security is about far more than a piece of technology. Do you live in a sprawling suburb? If so, did you know that suburban homes are 50% more likely to be burglarized then homes located in dense, high traffic areas? It is important to consider that there is much more you can do to secure your home then invest in a home security system.
The first step in securing your home is to conduct a proper risk assessment. What is a risk assessment? Well, it is nothing more than an assessment of the likelihood of loss in the event your house is broken into. A risk assessment should go beyond simple financial considerations. Consider there is a lot more at risk if a break-in were to occur then a loss of money. Indeed, the danger to your family, pets, and priceless treasures is particularly acute. Do you understand the potential for disaster and other types of criminal activity that could impact your home?
Types of Risk
There are several key takeaways here. First, the question is: What are you looking for? Are you aware of the terminology? Risk is the likelihood of loss, while a risk assessment is the cost of implementing a strategy as opposed to the cost of potential losses without implementation. What are the costs of those potential losses? By making these assessments, you will determine whether your home safety plan is adequate or not.
Beyond understanding what goes into a proper risk assessment, you need to understand the types of risk you will face. Remember, risk goes beyond simple theft. Stolen information can be sold on the dark web. There are many instances of how a stolen identity ruins lives. Even more, when a break-in occurs, it sucks away hours, days, or weeks of your life. Do you work in a home office? Imagine all the things most important to your business or work life suddenly disappearing. Not only does this compromise your security, but it also harms your financial well-being. There are also legal ramifications. If you are not acting in accordance with the law in protecting your property, it could put you in physical financial, and legal harm.
What to Consider?
Once you have a good understanding of what risk and a risk assessment entails, you want to pay attention to a simple equation. Always remember that risk simply equals threat times vulnerability. Are there areas in your suburb that are more dangerous than others? The equation isn’t about a number, it is about encouraging you to take action and mitigate the risk. It is about understanding what the threat is and what you need to do to prevent the threat.
Threats are exacerbated by natural conditions. With the recent first-named storm of the season wreaking havoc across Louisiana and Mississippi, natural conditions can themselves amplify a threat. If a huge storm knocks out your home security system, your risk level rises. Unfortunately, with human nature being what it is, those looking to take advantage of such situations wait for exactly these times to strike. If your system fails, you need to have a Plan B.