Are you worried your home isn’t safe enough?
With over 2.5 million burglaries in the US each year, it’s easy to see why so many people worry about securing their homes. But if you’re not a security expert, it can be tough knowing what to do or where to start.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these tips that will help you improve your home safety.
Secure Your Doors
You might not think it, but many break-ins involve the front door. Look at all your doors to make sure they are strong enough to keep out a burglar. For any mail slots, make sure someone can’t reach in and get to the door handle.
When moving into a new property, make sure you change all the locks. This way no one who used to live there with an old key can let themselves in. You can also make sure your locks or Padlocks are as strong as you can get them to be.
Some more tips for doors include:
- get a deadbolt
- use a strike plate
- consider getting smart locks
For sliding doors, consider glass-break or door sensors. You could also go the old-fashioned route with a window bar or dowel in the track to stop forced entry.
Lock Your Windows
To improve home safety, make sure your window locks work. Manufacturer latches aren’t always the best, and they tend to break with ease.
Consider boosting your latches with key-operated levers or locks. You can also install security film and sensors. If you want some extra protection, window bars are a good choice. As long as you trim them, prickly, sharp bushes planted beneath windows can deter burglars too.
Light It Up
Burglars prefer to hide in the shadows, so a great way to deter them is with lighting. One of the best home safety tips is to install plenty of outdoor lighting.
Put lights around your house, down pathways, and on outdoor buildings. Cover areas like your garage and any sheds. You’ll be likely to scare away any intruders.
Solar-powered lights can be useful, but make sure you have good motion sensor ones too. You can also get lights you can set a timer for, to turn on and off when you want them to.
Get a Security System
Whether it’s a basic DIY system or one you have installed by a professional, this is a must. The peace of mind a home security system brings is priceless, but there are ranges to suit every budget.
Consider things like:
- DIY or Professional installation
- Brand reputation & customer service
- Ongoing monthly costs
- Smart home abilities
- Added extras: smoke & carbon monoxide detection
To find the right one, think about your needs and your neighborhood setting. You can ask your local police department for advice, and a home security evaluation.
Install Security Cameras
Another top tip to improve home security is to install security cameras. Not only do they act as a deterrent, but they can help get you justice should you suffer a home invasion.
You can choose cameras that work as part of a wider security system, or get stand-alone ones. Either way, it’s best to get one with a mobile app, so you can see real-time footage wherever you are.
Some other must-have features include:
- night vision
- motion detection
- two-way talk
- Wi-Fi connection
- weatherproofing
- Cloud storage
If you have a long driveway or the space to do it, consider installing a security gate. Having a gate with a camera and intercom allows you to control who comes into your home. Gate access control also only allows people through locked accessways at set times. It’s an added bit of security for peace of mind.
Remove Hiding Spots
Another of the biggest home security tips we can give is to remove any areas someone could hide. Trees and shrubs might look nice, but they provide cover for home invaders.
Keep them trimmed and cut back, or consider replacing them with smaller plants. Have any trees near windows removed, or amp up the security on those particular windows.
Don’t neglect the outside of your home. Put away any ladders or stools and lock up all outbuildings and don’t leave anything valuable out on display.
Protect Your Valuables
Should someone get into your home, ensure your valuables are safe. A safe is somewhere secure you can put anything from valuable jewelry, sentimental items, or important documents. Pick one that is waterproof, fire-resistant, and too heavy for someone to carry off.
To get the best safe for you, consider the following:
- get one with redundant locks (two-in-one locks)
- pick a size suitable for the number of valuables you have
On a side note, if you have any firearms, it’s a good idea to get a gun safe too. Guns are prime targets for burglars as they fetch a good price in the criminal underworld. You want to protect your guns, so you can protect your family.
Install Home Automation
Turning your home into a smart home is great for home security. You gain control over things like lights, locks, and security systems. Everything can set via a time or by you wherever you are.
You’ll get real-time alerts and updates should anything suspicious happen. This gives you enough time to call the authorities and deter any potential thieves. Some smart home features will even call the authorities for you!
Home Safety Tips You Won’t Want to Miss
So, there you have it! Now you know these top home safety tips, you’re well on your way to protecting your home.
Keep areas clear with no hiding spots, and make sure your exterior is well illuminated. Check and update any window and door locks to make sure they work, and there is no easy access for burglars. Home security systems and cameras will give you that extra peace of mind so make use of them.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other blog posts today.
