No matter how much I love the beach or hiking in the woods, when I come back home, I always say, “Aaah…nothing feels better than home!”
As a species, humans have always been very uncomfortable with uncertainty and unfamiliar environments. However, when it comes to our houses, they always make us feel safe and are a sanctuary from the outside world. They say, “Home is where the heart is”, and indeed home is the only place that can give us peace, happiness, pleasure and security. Everyone needs a personal space to enjoy, where they can be comfortable and look for harmony and that space is often our home.
At home, you make your own rules, you set your guard down and you make yourself comfortable. When you are within these four walls, you essentially retract from your social responsibilities and social fears temporarily. You see, when you are outside –be it in your office, in a mall or at the beach – there is a level of “uncertainty” and “insecurity” surrounding you. At home, however, that “uncertainty” and “insecurity” are much lower because you are used to it and you have a habit of living there. You are not intimidated or feel threatened because you are practically the boss (i.e. when your wife is not around). This also means that the stress is then lower and comfort is higher.
Today, things have changed and people are no longer comfortable and safe even in their own houses. Decades ago, a “Beware of Dog” sign would have been enough to deter intruders, but nowadays home invasions are becoming more and more terrifying. Thieves are not just breaking in and stealing money and pieces of jewelry, but they are also assaulting homeowners and raping women. If you go on the net, you’ll find many sad stories of how, after a break-in, the feeling of a home-sweet home was never quite the same.
Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent home intrusion, but it cannot guarantee your safety. And, in some cases, you might be better off trusting your dog, a friend or a neighbor.
My Dog
Studies and real cases have proved that dogs are one of the major deterrents to home crimes. German Shepherds, which are the most common breeds for police dogs, are very popular as family pets because they can add an extra boost to your home protection.
Most burglars and home intruders don’t want to contend with a dog. Even if the dog is small and might not bite, it will bark and make noise to draw attention to the intruders. This is why K. Campbell, a certified protection professional said that “Dogs of any size are effective in preventing home break-ins.”
My Neighbor
The security of a house and family doesn’t entirely depend on security alarms and cameras. Sometimes, your noisy neighbors could be helpful in deterring home intruders.
Your neighbor might be an awful gossip (aren’t they always?) but if they notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, they will relay that information to the authorities. Twenty years ago, home invasions were not as frequent as they are today and I think it was all thanks to the close-knit feeling that was shared between neighbors.
So, if you are not on good terms with your neighbor, please work it out. And, it’s not just about your safety –it also concerns saving money and hassle. Did you know that the average cost of a burglary can cost around $ 3,000- $ 5,000?
So, trust me, there’s a lot to gain from creating solidarity with your neighbors!
