You may already have a home security system

Most people I know have a little basket or key rack near their home’s door. When they come home at night they toss the car and house keys there. It’s great because the keys don’t get misplaced in the house and they are handy when you are rushing out for an appointment. I’ve been uneasy about this little homeowner habit ever since my neighbor across the street (when I lived in a Chicago suburb years ago) had a car stolen while the household slept upstairs. It’s just too easy to break a door lock, grab the keys from their handy spot, and take off with the car!
 
So here’s an alternative that also adds a home security feature without spending thousands on a home security system. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.  If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get into your house, just press the panic button for your car.  The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound. It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and which requires no installation.  The car horn will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your car battery runs down or until you reset the button on the key fob.   It works if you park in your driveway or garage.  If you alarm does go off when someone is trying to break into your house the odds are the burglar will not stick around - after a few seconds neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there.

This, of course, assumes that you have neighbors.  Where I live, outside of Flagstaff, my neighbors might not hear my car alarm. Also, it assumes you are home and can hear the break-in as it happens. With my hearing loss, and as a sound sleeper, I wouldn’t. Also, in my situation, I want a direct connection to an alarm monitor for house fires when I'm not home. So, I have paid for a full house, monitored security system. If you live in town with neighbors, you can use your car alarm!

Another good use for car keys (other than driving!) is also something I learned in The Windy City prior to moving to beautiful Flagstaff – defensive walking.  As you are walking in a parking lot or down the street (to or from your car) keep your keys in your hand...placing each key between different fingers. If someone tries to attack you then you have a weapon literally at hand - just put your hand with the keys in it toward the persons face and start gouging his/her face. Meanwhile, press the key fob and set off the car alarm – but only if you’re close enough to the car that you and your attacker will be within the line of sight of those attracted to the sound and lights. I've done this little defensive tactic for years and thankfully have had no need for it! I wish you the same luck.

I'm happy to provide these little security tips. Please keep me in mind when you think of homes in Flagstaff.  Visit my website if you're in the market for good Flagstaff real estate advice.