This post was originally published on December 31, 2013 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The New Year is a time of celebration and reflection. With resolutions on everybody’s mind, Vector Security hopes home security is one you consider. It only takes some changes and a little effort to create a safer home for you, your family, and your community. Don’t let your 2023 resolutions fall by the wayside. This can be a change that significantly impacts you for the better.

Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

A home is only as safe as the community in which it resides. A close-knit community is one better protected from criminals. Are you familiar with your neighbors, or did you move into your home without forming a familiar relationship with them? If so, consider introducing yourself to those in your community.

An established relationship with your neighbors can be mutually beneficial for many reasons. If you’re away for an extended time, it is nice to have someone to call upon to collect your mail and keep an eye on your vacant home. Having this go-to person also helps you stay in the loop with neighborhood news and events.

Look for opportunities to say hello and offer assistance. Be the helpful neighbor that you wish your neighbors to be. Just being a friendly face around the neighborhood can go a long way. And when you’re talking to different members of your community, you can gauge their interest in the next point below.

Join or Create a Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood watch programs have become increasingly popular among communities all across the country. If a neighborhood watch program is already established, consider joining it or becoming more involved this coming year. These programs are great at bringing small communities together and also act as an additional layer of security.

Involvement communicates a level of trust and respect among neighbors and shows that you care about the well-being of both your family and the community.  If a neighborhood watch program does not currently exist in your community, we have an in-depth guide to help you start a neighborhood watch yourself.

Plan for Emergencies

An emergency can happen at any time and is often unexpected. Whether it be a natural disaster, a home fire, or an accident, you should make preparations for emergencies. One thing you can do right now is to create an emergency safety kit. These are often overlooked until an emergency strikes, so it’s important not to make that common mistake.

Start the year with an organized and accessible compilation of resources. We suggest the following items:

  • Flashlight
  • Supply of batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Battery-powered phone chargers
  • First aid kit
  • Nonperishable food
  • Lighter
  • Thermal blankets

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but a good starting point. Make sure you store all of these items together, and they’re in an easy-to-reach spot. Everybody in the house should know the location. If there are any children, you want to go through each item with them and ensure they understand where to find the emergency kit when needed.

Additionally, you should create a family evacuation plan in the case of a fire emergency. Home fires are especially dangerous for children if they’re unsure how to react. They should fully understand that if a fire were to ever occur, they should evacuate the household immediately and notify the fire department as soon as they can.

Invest in a Home Security System

A home security system can cover any vulnerabilities in your home or on your property. They are effective deterrents against intruders and are easier than ever to operate and monitor. All you need is your cellphone or laptop, and you can access live security feeds, remotely lock and unlock doors, and set alarms from anywhere and at any time.

A security New Year’s Resolution improves the safety of you and your family. If you’re looking for a home security system, partner with us at Vector Security. We have over 50 years of experience helping families get the home security solutions they need at an affordable rate. For more information, feel free to contact us today.