When you think of home security, you probably picture a camera operating in some kind of surveillance system, motion sensors, and alarms. But there’s so much more to good home security than that – and not just to keep intruders out!
Keeping your home secure is an opportunity to safeguard yourself from danger. As they say, ‘A locked door only keeps an honest man honest.’
If you’re feeling anxious about leaving your house, there is no need to panic! Most of us feel a sense of unease when we’re not sure if someone could be lurking somewhere nearby.
Check but these ten ways to guard your house in your absence and when you’re home!
How to Boost Security in Your Home
Lock the Windows
As many as 23% of home invasions involved break-ins through windows!
Check that your first-story windows are not just shut but locked. You may want to install new window locks as those that are installed by the manufacturer are either so flimsy they’ll snap with ease or no longer latch over time.
You can also reinforce the glass with security film.
Secure the Doors
It seems like a simple concept, but it locks your doors! The front door accounts for the most common access point for break-ins accounting for 34% of break-ins and another 22% occurring through the back door. That’s 56% of all break-ins through your door.
Having good door locks is the first step to securing your doors as a point-of-entry. There are several other steps you’ll want to take:
- Inspect the exterior door frames and make sure their strong along with good hinges
- Make sure a hand cannot fit through any mail slots
- Install a deadbolt
- Add a strike plate
- Consider upgrading to smart locks
- Add a video doorbell
Set up a Security System
Whether you install a basic DIY security system or get one by collaborating using Smith Thompson, there are plenty of security options with various levels of automation, protection, and cost.
Evaluate your neighborhood and your needs to determine the level of security you want. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Professional or DIY
- How are their customer service and brand reviews
- Are you set up for a smart house?
- How much of an initial investment and subsequent monthly cost?
- What about smoke detection and carbon monoxide?
Light up Your Landscape
The more light around your home at night, the more visible any intruders and the less likely for them to proceed into your house seen.
Outdoor lighting is visually stunning and a boost to security at the same time.
Make sure to light up entry points, pathways, and any outdoor structures. This will make intruders think twice and light your way in the dark, helping prevent accidents.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Security isn’t only about physical break-ins but cyber break-ins as well. There’s nothing that compares to the feeling that you’re unsafe in your own home, of having that boundary shattered.
If your Wi-Fi is also connected to smart home devices and/or your security system, that gives criminals access to your home as well.
Secure your home network with WPA or WPA2 encryption, rename and hide your network, use a strong firewall and password, install antivirus software, and consider using a VPN to secure your internet connection.
Add Security Cameras
Is someone grabbing packages off porches in your area?
The one security option that also provides evidence after criminal activity takes place is security cameras.
Cameras are available as part of a complete security system and single operating devices.
Try using cameras that link with a mobile app for peace of mind while away and showing police the criminal if needed.
Fire Detection
Security is not always about criminals. Fires can start at any time, even when you’re not at home.
Prevention and detection are important steps to take to protect yourself. Make sure all your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order with regular inspections.
By collaborating using Smith Thompson, you can automate your fire protection system for when you’re not home.
If you have a fireplace, get the chimney inspected before using it.
Secure the Garage
This often-forgotten entry point to your home accounts for about 9% of illegal home entries. Even if they can’t access your home from your garage, there are usually plenty of items in the garage that will interest them as well.
Lock all the doors leading into your garage and from your garage into your house.
Consider getting a garage door system that functions on a secret keycode. If you have a door opener, consider keeping it in your home rather than storing it in your unattended vehicle.
Invest in a Safe
A fire-proof, water-resistant safe is the best way to protect your valuable assets. It’s best to find one that can hold jewelry and any important documents like deeds and passports. These items will then be protected in the event of a fire or break-in.
When choosing a safe consider the following:
- Redundant locks (more than one)
- Make sure it’s big enough to hold everything you want to be protected
- Anchored or portable
Home Automation
More and more households are turning to smart home automation. This automation gives you remote access to your home to control lights, door locks, cameras, smoke alarms, and all your safety devices.
What better peace of mind while you’re away than complete control of the security of your home, whether you do the work or a security company does it for you?
Schedule lights to turn on and off when you’re away. See who approached your home or porch and talk to them through a two-way talk through a camera. The options are changing every day as this technology advances.
Final Thoughts
Your home is your castle, and you need to protect it in every way possible. While there are a number of options for home security, it’s important to pick the right one for your needs and budget.
No matter what type of security system you have in place, you can always boost its effectiveness by taking the necessary precautions.
For example, having good door locks is the first step in securing your home.
If you can, also invest in home automation like smart locks and keyless entry systems.
