Keeping your family and valuables safe doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Doing a few simple things every day can make a big difference.

For example, clearing your post box daily is important - never leave post or junk mail overnight. Shred papers with personal information, like credit card offers or insurance proposals. Also, to avoid advertising where you live, don't leave post mail in your car.

Some more tips:

Install an alarm system. Research shows that burglars tend to avoid homes with alarm systems, and if they encounter an alarm, they will most probably run away. There are many affordable systems available, monitored and unmonitored.

Set the alarm - even if you are in a hurry and will only be away for a short time. Most burglars can get into your home and take what they want in 10 minutes or less, so be sure to arm your security system whenever you leave home.

Install a peephole at your front entrance. It's a low-cost piece of home security that can be installed quickly and simply. Get one that provides a wide-angle view of visitors so you can decide whether or not to let them in.

When answering the door, ask unknown visitors for identification and to state their business. If you don't feel safe, don't let them in. If you don't know whoever is at the door, tell them you are home but not accepting visitors. Children should never answer the door unless you have told them you are expecting visitors.

Just before dark, make sure your blinds and curtains are all closed. It's all too easy for any passersby to see into your home if your windows aren't covered. Would-be burglars can see where the interior doors are and where desirable items like your TV and electronic devices are located. Block their view, and they will be inclined to move on to more accessible homes.

When your sliding patio door is closed - and locked - place a wood or metal rod in the track to help prevent housebreakers from opening it.

Keep doors locked even when you're home. Check that doors are locked, and windows are closed before going out - even if you will be away for a short time.

Keep the garage door closed unless you are taking your car in or out. Garages are easy access points for thieves, and you don't want anyone to see what you have in the garage.

If you are going on holiday, pack the car before opening the garage door. You don't want anyone to see suitcases being placed in the boot before you drive off.

Pretend someone is home by saying goodbye as you leave - even if you're the last one to leave the house in the morning. Anyone watching should get the impression that someone is home and might think twice about breaking in.

Warning signs are helpful deterrents. A 'Beware of the Dog' sign or security company logo on your gate, or wall will deter most would-be thieves.

Keep your car keys on your bedside table while you sleep so that they're within easy reach - and out of reach of burglars. If you do hear someone trying to break in, you can press the car alarm button, and the noise may well scare them off.

Don't give thieves any assistance to break into your home. Gardening and power tools can be used to break windows and doors, and a ladder is an invitation to enter an open second-floor window.

Outdoor lighting is a good way to deter criminals. Lighting up your front porch and front and back yard will encourage burglars to go elsewhere. You could also install motion-activated lights where your vehicles are parked and at all points of entry into your home.

Emergency measures

Create a fire plan so that everyone in the family knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire. Make sure everyone knows where to gather outside the home and away from danger. Explain that they need to touch doors lightly before opening them. If they are hot, this indicates that there is fire on the other side, and the door should be left closed. Ensure there are alternative exits that can be used in an emergency. Also, show children how to open and exit windows if they have to.

To enable emergency services to find you easily, make sure your street address numbers are visible during the day and night. In an emergency, every second counts, and the faster they find your house, the faster you will get help.

To make sure everyone in the family is on board with safety and security, have informal family meetings where you can remind everyone of the importance of keeping each other safe.