Decorating your home is more fun than setting up security measures. However, break-ins and burglaries are occurring with greater frequency. Becoming a victim is traumatic, disruptive and also generally expensive to rectify. Therefore, home security should be a top priority. The good news is that there’s a range of ways to make your home safer, by considering each possible entry point to your home, such as doors and windows, to see how they could be improved. Read on to find out some simple ways to secure your home, as well as keep your possessions and loved ones safe.
Simple ways to secure your home
Secure the doors
Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door. Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong and the hinges are protected. Moreover, if your door has a mail slot, make sure that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door. If you’re moving into a residence that someone else used to call home, change the door locks. That way you won’t have strangers out there with a key to your house, and you can make sure your locks are the best on the market.
Lock the windows
According to theft experts, windows are a common entry point for criminals. Many people tend to shut windows but leave them unlocked. Plus, manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective – and sometimes they’re downright flimsy. Therefore, if you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with aftermarket window locks or key-operated levers. But you don’t have to stop there. We have some other good ideas to help make your windows burglar-proof.
- Reinforce glass with window security film
- Install window or glass break sensors
- Add window bars
- Plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows
Light up the landscape
Vandals, burglars, and other criminals don’t like to be in the spotlight. Keep them at bay with ample outdoor lighting. Place lights around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the garage and other outdoor structures. Not only will you make intruders skittish, but you’ll also cut down your risk of a stumble on your way up the front steps. Make your outdoor security lights even more effective with these tips:
- Use motion-activated lights
- Save energy with solar-powered lights
- Use a smart outlet to put outdoor lights on a timer
- Set up schedules with smart light bulbs
Install a security system
Your home should have some form of a security system, whether it’s a basic DIY system or one that comes with professional monitoring and home automation. Today there are plenty of home security options for every budget and every level of protection. To choose a system that you’re comfortable with, we recommend that you evaluate your security needs. Once you know the likely risks, evaluate your home to see what is needed to protect it.
Don’t forget the garage
This entry point to your home is becoming more popular with criminals. And even if they can’t access your house, chances are you have plenty of good stuff stored in the garage. Make it a habit to lock all doors to the garage – both interior and exterior. You may also consider keeping your garage door opener in the house. That way, a burglar can’t grab it out of your car. And if you use a security code to open the garage, make sure you keep it secret and never enter it in front of delivery people, neighbours, or anyone else. Here are some more easy ways to secure the garage
- Upgrade to a smart garage door opener
- Cover windows to hide the goodies inside
- Secure garage doors with extra locks
- Use home automation – and never leave the garage door open
- Install a driveway alarm
Eliminate hiding places
Trees and shrubs may give your house curb appeal, but they also give burglars a handy place to hide. Trim down trees and plants close to your home that could be used for cover. Opt for smaller flowers and bushes instead. If you have trees near windows, either remove them or reinforce those windows with extra security. And don’t neglect the rest of your home’s exterior (including the backyard) – use these best practices to keep things locked up tight.
- Always put away stools and ladders
- Lock gates, sheds, and other outdoor buildings
- Don’t tempt thieves by leaving pricey goods on display in the yard
- Add security signs and stickers – even if you don’t have a security system
Add security cameras
You’ve probably seen headlines about burglars and porch pirates being foiled by security camera footage. This is one home security solution that works as both a deterrent and a means to get justice. You can get security cameras that are part of a complete home security system, or you can use cameras that work on their own. Whichever way you go, we recommend using a security camera with a mobile app, so you can see footage in real-time and store it if you ever need to go to the police. Take proactive measures to protect your cameras from hackers too.
Use home automation
If you’ve been tempted to turn your regular house into a smart home, security is one compelling reason to follow through. Home automation can give you remote (or scheduled) control of lights, door locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other safety devices. You can get real-time alerts about suspicious activity so you can respond quickly and thwart potential thieves.
