Six Home Security Tips To Help Keep Seniors Safe

September 27th, 2022



It’s a sad fact, but seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations to crime in Chico. Criminals see seniors as easy targets not only because of their physical limitations, but because they’ve built a lifetime of valuable items. Therefore, seniors need to take extra precautions to help reduce their risk of break-ins around the home. Here are 6 home security tips to help keep seniors safe.

1. Lock All Doors And Windows

Burglars enter our Chico homes the same way most of us do, through the front door. If the front door isn’t open or is too exposed, they will enter through a backdoor or window. That is why it is crucial to always keep the doors locked. Whether you are at home or even just out on a brief errand, check that all doors and windows are locked.

2. Keep A Phone Nearby 

Seniors should always have a phone close at hand. It’s harder to run to a phone if there is a breakout. A great idea is to have a cell phone or a cordless phone kept with you when you walk around the home and have emergency services on speed dial. It’s also important in case there is ever a medical emergency to keep the phone nearby as well.

3. Don’t Answer The Door To Strangers

It’s not just burglars that seniors need to be on the lookout for in their homes. There are also plenty of door-to-door scammers that target seniors. If you don’t know who is at your door, you don’t have to answer. Furthermore, if you do answer, keep a chain on the door or speak to them through the locked door. Many criminals will force entry once you’ve opened the door.

4. Keep Family Heirlooms In A Safe

By the time we hit our golden years, we have a lot of valuable family heirlooms that have been passed down through the years. Robbers are known for coming in, grabbing what they can find, and getting out quickly. So locking your valuables up in a safe is the best way to keep them protected for the next generation.

5. Send Payment Electronically 

Another common way that seniors are targeted is through mail theft. Criminals will break into mailboxes and steal not only checks, but other personal information to commit identity theft. The best way to prevent this is to set up all your payments as either automatic withdrawals or to pay them online, by phone, or sent directly from your bank.

6. Install A Home Security System

The very best measure a senior can take to protect their Chico home is to have a home security system installed. A home security system will alert you if there is any dangers and give you time to get to safety. Home security systems are also much more affordable than they were in the past, so they won’t be a strain on your tight budget.

To learn more of ways that you can protect your home during your senior years, speak to a professional security expert. They’ll help you identify the risks around your home and offer actionable solutions to help keep you safe. With their help, you’ll be able to enjoy your retirement without worry.

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"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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