7 Essential Home Security Tips To Make Your Home Safer
No matter where you live, every home could be safer. You could reduce the risk of breaking and entering in a few easy proactive steps. Knowing where to start with your home security can take some work, so we put together this quick guide for you.
Keep reading to learn the essential home security tips to make your home safer. There are several measures you can take, so let’s dive in.
1. Install Durable Physical Locks
First, you’ll want to check the locks on the doors and windows in your home. Start by adding or replacing the deadbolts on all doors that lead outside. You can wear out locks with normal use over time, so install new deadbolts if you’ve never replaced them.
Plus, adding deadbolts enhances the physical security of your home. So, make sure you choose a quality set. They establish another barrier for anyone trying to break in.
Any lock that uses mechanical parts including springs and pins needs replacing about every 10 years. Updating yours will help secure your space.
It’s also worth checking the locks on your windows. Keyed locks are some of the most secure for windows. You want to lock your windows whenever you have them closed to deter burglars. If you don’t already, make a habit of locking your windows regularly.
2. Upgrade Your Exterior Doors
Next, replace the doors that lead to the outside. You need them to be made with a solid core. That means they’re not hollow inside, making them harder to destroy. Metal core doors are the strongest, aside from solid metal doors. A solid steel door would be the most durable option.
You should also consider adding a peephole to the door if you don’t already have a video doorbell system installed. Knowing who’s on the other side of your door before opening it is an essential safety feature in home security.
3. Install a Home Security System
It’s also good to have a security system in place. Many people like having doorbell videos, security cameras, and motion detectors as part of their security. You can even install home security alarms, which alert you and authorities if they detect someone breaking in. The process is automatic so that you can have more peace of mind.
You’ll want to add visible signs of your security system around the property. Sometimes, all it takes to stop a burglary is for them to notice a security system sign or sticker nearby. These signs indicate that your home’s protected, so any criminals know they’ll set off an alarm if they try anything suspicious.
If you're considering additional devices for enhanced safety, automatic gate openers or advanced parking systems can be an excellent complement to your existing security setup. For specialized solutions in these areas, turn to All Security Equipment as they offer a range of outdoor security enhancements.
4. Use Lighting Wisely
How you light your home’s exterior can also be a home security measure. You should choose motion-activated lights that help light up your property. A light suddenly turning on could surprise someone who’s trying to hide in the dark.
You’ll know right away when there’s movement happening outside, allowing you to respond quickly if it turns out to be a suspicious person. These lights are also good for deterring animals that would otherwise try to turn your yard into their home.
5. Inspect Your Landscaping
How your landscaping is around your home can also impact whether people attempt to break in. If there are a lot of trees and bushes around the house’s doors and windows, they give burglars a place to hide. Instead, keep any shrubbery near your home trimmed to eliminate secluded spots.
You can also add more thorny plants around your windows. Many people use rose bushes, blackberries, firethorn, and eastern prickly pears as security plants. What species you choose will depend on your area’s climate.
No matter which plant you choose, you need to be careful with how you place it. A good spot will deter potential intruders from reaching windows. You can also place them next to fences to make them harder to climb.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Next, you must keep all of your valuables out of sight. People are much less likely to break in when they don’t see a reason to immediately since most robberies occur as a spur-of-the-moment action.
Don’t leave any money, jewelry, or electronics sitting out near windows. Everything should be in a safe place that’s not visible from windows or doorways. Even if you have curtains, it’s still possible for valuables to be spotted. So, it’s best to put everything away.
You can keep your most important valuables in a safe. For everything else, you can find spots away from windows and doors.
7. Practice Good Home Security Habits
It’s essential that you also build home security habits. If you don’t lock your door when you go out, it won’t matter if you use the rest of the tips on this list.
Here are some smart security habits you should use every day:
Don’t leave spare keys outside.
Don’t share vacation or travel plans on your social media.
Always lock your doors and windows when you leave.
Reinforce your exterior doors.
Don’t open the door for strangers.
Change your locks when you lose your keys.
Make sure your garage door seals completely.
Keep your car locked, especially if you keep a garage opener or keys inside.
Hire house sitters for lengthy vacations.
Don’t leave curtains and blinds open when you’re not home.
Teach children good home safety habits.
Overall, you must check in with how you’re using basic security habits. Making new habits can take some time, but your home will be much more secure when you do.
Start Working on Home Security Now
The sooner you start implementing these improvements to your home, the better. You don’t want to wait until after someone attempts to break in. Start by enhancing your physical locks and doors. Then, consider adding a home security system, like an alarm or security camera.
In short, start improving your home security now. You need to take proactive steps when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones.