Regardless of how safe your neighborhood is, burglaries and home invasions happen all the time. If you are lucky, it will happen to someone else, but the best way to ensure that your home doesn’t catch the eye of the potential invader is to take necessary measures of precaution. Home security measures do not only protect your family and belongings from an actual burglar, but it makes your household a difficult target in the first place. Although criminal tactics evolve all the time and home intruders are becoming more skilled each day, for any homeowner, it is essential to take care of basic home protection elements. Here are a few home security tips that will help you to create a safer home.
Observe your neighborhood
Whether being new on the block or living there for ages, keep your watchful eye on your close surroundings and people you come across. Get to know your neighbors close enough to establish a mutual understanding of a safe community. Pay attention to details like new cars parked in the area or lawn mowing companies that service your neighborhood. Criminals always stakeout before the break-in, so don’t hesitate to inform the police about suspicious-looking new faces.
Upgrade doors and locks
Make it hard for anyone uninvited to enter your property, be it a burglar or annoying relative. Start with the doors and the locks. Most burglaries happen by standard lock-picking, so make sure to get well-built, anti-kick doors with a deadbolt lock to prevent forceful entering. Secure exterior gate with sliding gate lock and make sure to secure the garage doors since it is the weak point of any home. Buy a wide-angle peephole for your doors but keep it covered, since they work both ways. Also, avoid glass doors or glass parts near the doorknob.
Secure windows
Unsecured windows are an easy target for housebreakers, so make sure to lock the windows even on the upper floors. To prevent opening the windows above a certain height, use a secondary locking device. Consider applying the anti-break film on the glass, especially on the basement windows (another option is to place bars). Also, install hardware on roof access or skylights and pay attention to bushes and trees around the house. Bush near the window can be a good hiding place, while tree branches can provide access to the roof or second-floor windows.
Lights in and out
An old trick that still works is leaving the light on at night because it seems as if you are still awake. In addition to that, keep the outdoor lights on at night since burglars avoid well-lit houses. Get motion detection lights around your home to discourage uninvited visitors and to prevent unnoticed sneaking. However, be prepared for numerous false light alarms thanks to stray cats and other critters roaming through your yard at night.
Install an alarm system
Look for a security alarm with a motion detector. Keep the alarm set even when you are home and awake, except for the motion-detecting part, since burglars expect an alarm system to be off while you are there. Make sure that your alarm system continues to work even after a power break and have an additional alarm keypad in your bedroom to sound a panic alarm. Post alarm stickers and signs on the home exterior to turn away criminals, but make sure not to specify the security brand.
Security cameras for your home
Security cameras are a great way to monitor your home from different angles. The best option is to get security cameras with motion sensors with a decent recording device. Remember to keep recording system well-hidden to prevent criminals from taking the recordings with them. If you happen to be away from home often, then opt for internet cameras to look over the place online.
Get a dog
If you are not a dog person than perhaps it is time to change that. A good furry friend will bravely guard you and your home. Although not being able to protect you and attack the intruders (unless it is a trained dog), your dog will bark loud enough to keep them away and to signal that something is going on outside. No matter how small the dog is, nothing deters burglars as annoying and constant barking.
Do not show off
Luxury and expensive stuff attract thieves like moths so try not to stand out too much and do not show off. Be discreet and try not to appear as someone who owns valuable things. Keep your Porsche in the garage and if you keep valuables in your home, make sure to keep the blinds closed. Do not share too much via social networks since burglars use them too. Also, take care of what ends up in your garbage. Conceal the boxes and receipts of any big purchases.
Conclusion
Our homes are supposed to be our safe harbor, place where we get to relax and get away from the dangers of the world. Do not let anyone get in the way of your basic right to feel comfortable and safe in the privacy of your home. Take some of these helpful home security tips and protect your home and your family from the intruders.
Author-bio:
Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, full – time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Graduated from Queensford college, I worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia, eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Traveled across Europe. Her hobbies include home decor, fashion, travel, music, old movies.
