June / July 2011 - The Hays Daily News

7 • DAS HAUS
SAFE
and
SECURE
home protection can be
simple with security
system, common sense
It’s the time of year when many
families likely are planning summer
getaways. But even in the
event of an extended absence,
there are several ways to keep your
home secure.
The most high-tech option is
to install a home security system.
Those services are offered locally
by Nex-Tech, and the technology
can be as
s a f e a n d s e c u r e AT HOME
By KALEY CONNER
simple or
as complex
as the homeowner
wishes, said Justin McClung, Internet
solutions manager.
“There’s literally tens of thousands
of sensors that you can buy,”
he said. “Just like smoke, heat, cold,
moisture. ... Anything you can think
of, there’s a sensor the guys can rig
up.”
Some of the more popular
systems are used to secure gun
cabinets and garage doors. Carbon
monoxide detectors also are available.
While the idea of a home security
system might be appealing for families
leaving town, most customers
use the services for peace of mind
even when they’re home, he said.
“The bulk of our customers
are people, the need for it is when
they’re at home to protect them at
nights or things like that, or when
they’re at work,” McClung said.
The company offers home secu-
First line of defense
• Make sure garages and shed
doors have working locks.
• Keep ladders stored in a locked
shed or garage so they can’t be
used to climb into your home.
• Don’t leave toys, tools and
equipment in the yard.
• Do yard work before you leave.
• Have someone you trust bring
in your mail and newspaper
while you are gone. Give them
a key to keep at their home, but
don’t leave a key in a hiding
place.
• If you use an answering machine,
do not record a message
that indicates you are out of
town.
— Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler
rity services to residents in a large
area extending from Atwood to Great
Bend. Maintenance of the system is
provided locally, he said.
Free consults are available for
customers who might be interested
but aren’t sure which system is right
for them.
Before leaving town, there are
several other precautions homeowners
can take to secure their property,
said Interim Hays Police Chief Don
Scheibler.
“Before leaving for a summer
vacation, review the security of your
home and make improvements to
reduce its vulnerability to break-ins,”
he said.
Bright lights should be installed
over porches and walkways, and
785-625-3278
1-800-248-3270
1224 E. 27th
Hays, KS
timers can be used to turn selected
lights on and off automatically, making
it look like someone is home, he
said.
Residents also should make sure
all locks are working properly and
double-check that all doors and
windows are secure before leaving.
It also is a good idea to make sure
automatic garage doors close all the
way, he said.
Bushes and shrubs should be
trimmed under windows, ensuring
burglars can’t hide in them. Shades
or curtains should be kept closed
after dark.
For extra peace of mind, Hays
residents can request the police
department to conduct patrol checks
of the home while they are away.
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