Everyone loves to live in the country side. Be it the lush green meadows or the animals, the countryside has a charm of its own. While it may not have been possible years ago due to a job, building a home there could be something you always wanted to do. However, rural homes too have the same problem as urban ones – of crime and safety.
Rural homes are like a heaven to those who live in concrete jungles. They think that it is always hunky-dory there. But the fact is that taking the advantage of less population, many thieves attack such properties. Most of the time, even the police stations are located far-off.
So, if you are living in such a property, you need to keep yourself and your possessions protected by your own efforts. Think of it as having the best tool chest in the world with thick steel and multiple locks. If you don’t actually keep it locked, all your expensive tools could be gone overnight.
Same goes for your home. If you don’t lock your doors or close your garage doors, you’re taking a big risk. Investing in a good security solution is a great idea, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that you should be looking at.
Tips to Help You Stay Safe
Here are some tried and tested methods that can help you in being safe in your countryside home.
1. Get a perimeter fence
When you live in the countryside, there are lots of properties that are actually hunting grounds. It is quite common to get intruders inside your property mistakenly. It is always better to get a perimeter fence. This will help you legally too. Your property will be clearly demarcated from the others and will act as a barrier to intruders too.
2. Get locked gates
After you get the fence, get a locked gate on all the exit points. This will ensure that only those enter your premises who actually need to. It is better to get a strong gate at the entry point of your home too. Try to have the grilled barrier. Apart from keeping you safe, it will also allow you to keep an eye on the outside.
These days, you will get all sorts of technology friendly gates. You can invest in some. It will be practical if you put your phone number on the entrance gate. It will allow outsiders like delivery men or postmen to contact you in case of deliveries.
3. Get a watchdog or guard dog
When you are so far away from the population, always keep a pet dog. It is better to get a watchdog or a guard dog. Both of these varieties are strikingly different from one another. Most of the dogs also act as a watchdog. They will bark violently upon the arrival of anyone unknown. Basically, they serve as the alarm system to you. In the case of guard dogs, they are better equipped to even protect you in unwanted circumstances.
But they need high-level training. If you are capable of doing that and have the proper experience, then you can opt for guard dogs. If you are a novice, then you better not try to guard dogs. They can get very aggressive on the arrival of anyone which may include even your friends.
4. Use surveillance cameras
Invest in getting CCTV cameras installed across your property. The one on the entrance will allow you to see whoever is on the gate. You may also install an intercom there so that you can interact with whoever is on the gate. Also, these cameras will help you in keeping an eye on the activities on your property. Many owners were simply able to avert some untoward incident on noticing unusual activities inside their premises and informing police well on time.
Many of these cameras can be controlled with your smartphone, and even if you are not at home, you would know if something is not right.
5. Install motion-activated sensors
Countryside properties are not only prone to human intruders but to animals as well. If you have livestock, then it becomes even more dangerous. You can install motion activated sensors such as a driveway alarm for your home or spotlights in strategic locations like near beginning of your driveway, the shed, another entry point of your property or in front of the garage. A bright light suddenly turning on will make an intruder think twice.
A driveway alarm can notify you as soon as someone or something enters your property. It can save you from thieves and wild animals alike. These security products come in many different variations so be sure to educate yourself by reading a few driveway alarm reviews before deciding. A model with a 500 foot range won’t do you any good if your dirt driveway is 1,000 feet long.
So, how many of these do you have? Have I missed something? Let me know in the comments.