How to Secure your Home
There are numerous efficient techniques to keep intruders out of your home. The Bright Decor team reveals exclusive secrets that burglars don't want you to know in this article. Make sure your family and property are secured by continuing to read.
Securing all entrances
The windows and doors in your home are the most exposed entrance points. Window bars and powerful deadbolt locks can prevent forced entrance. To assist you in keeping an eye on popular entrance points while you're away from home, you might want to think about surveillance cameras and motion sensors.
1. Verify all doors
The easiest way in for a robber is through the door. In fact, 34% of thieves enter through the front door; this is typically where they start. If your door has a mail slot, make sure no one can open it using their hand or a tool. Installing a peephole is another excellent option to increase the security of your front entrance. It gives you a means to view any unforeseen visitors and is far safer than a glass pane or other small opening.
Use smart locks, deadbolts, and strike plates to further secure your door. A video doorbell, smart locks, and other home security tools are great ways to boost security.
- Exterior front doors: A solid-core door made of metal or wood is more dependable than a hollow door that criminals can kick in. You should also fortify your front door using both a door reinforcement plate and a door jamb reinforcement kit since, contrary to what most people believe, burglars rarely use lock picks to open doors; instead, they simply use physical force to break in. These two kits are easy enough to install on your own with some common household equipment and some spare time.
- Glass sliding doors: Keep sliding doors fastened to the internal floor track with a safety bar. Sliding doors frequently have a weak latch that is insufficient to keep them securely closed, which makes burglars love them. Criminals can acquire leverage and open the door by giving the slider a quick but powerful kick at the bottom. For further security, we also advise you to use a floor bolt or foot lock.
2. Strengthen the Windows
Burglars are constantly looking for gaps in security. Make sure your windows are locked every time you leave your house especially at night. Also, make sure they are safe.
Unfortunately, a window lock won't always work because latches are frequently flimsy and ineffective against blunt force. You can install window bars or dowels and window security film to reinforce the glass. Here are some pointers for protecting your windows against burglars:
- Install window sensors so that when a window breaks, an alert is played. If a motion or glass break is detected, certain sensors will automatically send you a notification through your phone.
- Installing pin locks allows windows to remain partially open while maintaining security. There are additional advanced pinless variants available.
- Stronger glass: Install impact-resistant safety glass in the worst-case scenarios. For small windows that you don't frequently open, this may be effective.
- Plant thorny or prickly shrubs beneath first-story windows for natural defense.
- Install curtains: This offers privacy and hides valuables.
3. Lock up your garage
Due to the garage door's fragility, it can be rather simple for burglars to jimmy a latch and raise, punch, or kick the door in. This makes the garage another vulnerable access point. Make sure your interior door is locked, the latch is closed, and the garage door is constantly closed.
If you keep your car outdoors, under no circumstances should you leave your garage door opener clipped inside. It's just too simple for burglars to operate a button to break a window and enter your garage.
A home automation system that closes your garage door after you open it might be worth investing in. Flood lights in the garage that are actuated by motion could potentially assist prevent burglars.
If possible, unplug the garage door opener before going on vacation. Better yet, lock the door so that thieves can't lift it. Simply drill a hole in the track above a roller for a quick, low-cost DIY solution, and lock it with a padlock.
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New Security Tips for new Homes
Although there is evidence that phony security decals can discourage criminals, we advise looking into the genuine thing as well.
1. Change outdated locks
It's essential to change all the locks when moving into a new house. A copy of the keys may be held by each of the previous owners, as well as by their family, friends, and any contractors who worked on the house. If you are a tenant, you can inquire with the landlord to see if the locks have already been changed. Replace any locks of inferior quality with ones that can survive picking or kicking while you're at it.
2. Set up a security system
It's time to install a security system once you've reviewed the essential practices for home security. The best home security systems are affordable and easy to install. A security camera can be installed alone or as a component of a larger security system.
The best cameras are those that include mobile apps since they enable you to view real-time video at any time via an app on your phone. If your system has smart home automation features, you can program a timer to turn on lights around the house at different times of day so that your home never looks empty from the outside.
Some home alarm systems need to be installed by professionals. If you'd prefer to stay away from hardwired installations, wireless security systems are also an option.
3. Keep the lawn tidy and attractive
Although you might not realize it, poor landscaping provides considerable advantages for potential burglars. Dense trees, thick shrubbery, and burned-out or inadequate lighting are just a few examples. Intruders can be deterred by lights, especially in dim places. Consider adding illumination to your front and rear yards as well as the walks.
- Automated lights with infrared motion detectors are great deterrents for outdoor lighting. These come in particularly handy while you're on vacation. For a greener choice, use solar-powered lighting.
- In general, burglars prefer to operate on streets that are poorly lit. Ask your neighborhood association if more street lights can be added. You and your neighbors will benefit from the increased visibility.
- A tall, sturdy fence provides more seclusion and is more challenging to scale than a chain-link fence. For further security, you can purchase a padlock to keep a gate or fence entrance secured.
4. Make an introduction to the neighbors
Making new acquaintances is enjoyable, and you can aid one another in spotting irregularities. While on vacation, you can even alternate watching each other's houses. Another benefit is that knowing everyone in your community makes it much easier to spot a stranger.
- Create a neighborhood watch program: This will help cut down on crime in your area tremendously. You may even invite a police officer from the area to a meeting to discuss how to keep your neighborhood secure.
- Together, clean up the area. Criminal activity is drawn to streets with trash or abandoned homes. If this is an issue in your community, suggest a clean up to the neighborhood association. Everyone will benefit, except for the robbers, as your neighborhood will be safer and more attractive.
5. Recognize the popular targets for burglars
Mailboxes, sheds, cars, and air conditioners are among frequent targets for burglars. Even the most seasoned crooks can be stopped with a little bit of foresight.
- For air conditioners, use corner bracing or sliding window locks to deter thieves from taking your cooling system.
- Sheds: A determined burglar can unscrew the screws from a shed door using a screwdriver. You can thwart their plans by using tamper-proof screws.
- Mailboxes: Purchase a security mailbox with a key if you're concerned about burglars stealing your mail. You can now proceed after mounting it to the wall.
- Cars: Everyone is aware that thieves enjoy breaking into cars. First, if at all feasible, park your automobile in a garage. If you don't have a garage, be sure to park your car somewhere that is well-lit. Leave no valuables inside, especially not ones that may be seen from the outside. Above everything else, roll up the windows and lock the vehicle.
6. Be wary of doorstep fraud
Burglars frequently assume the identities of salespeople or tradespeople, such as electricians or plumbers. This plan gives crooks a simple opportunity to survey homes for potential break-ins or to steal some items while occupants are inside. There may occasionally be two persons working together; one may talk to you about their services while the other steals things from the residence. Watch who you let inside.
7. Organize for the worst
Designing a safety plan is an excellent idea if you have a family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Establish a schedule that everyone can adhere to. Having a routine for locking windows and doors, guidelines for not letting strangers inside, and ensuring that everyone in the family is aware of how your alarm system functions, if you have one, are all parts of a smart safety strategy.
You may try to burgle oneself as a workout. This is what some homeowners consider to be the quickest way to identify weak points.
8. Avoid broadcasting when you are traveling
When arranging your upcoming vacation, exercise additional caution. Most burglaries—about three-fourths—occur when the resident isn't at home. Keep in mind that whatever you post on social media can be seen by anybody, including complete strangers and friends of friends. Especially in the late summer, wait to post about your trip on social media until after you get home. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, July and August are the two months with the most residential burglaries.
- In order for your nice neighbors to be a little more vigilant than normal, let them know you'll be away.
- Use timed lights to make it appear as though someone is home by turning them on and off at regular intervals.
- Keep all of your valuables hidden from view and kept in a safe.
Simple Home Security Tips
Getting a dog (or an impostor), interacting with your neighborhood police, and strengthening your cyber-security are some simple methods to increase home security.
1. Buy a dog
In general, law-abiding people adore dogs, whereas criminals despise them. You can still use a criminal's innate fear of dogs even if you don't own a dog, are allergic to dogs, or are otherwise unable to care for one.
A easy trick is to post a "Beware of dog" sign on your gate or back door; this will typically deter most would-be thieves. Additionally, you may purchase a dog bowl and leash for your back porch if you truly want to go above and above.
2. Protect your Wi-Fi
It's simple to overlook the need for additional Wi-Fi security beyond your login credentials, but there are a few actions you can take to make sure your virtual world is just as secure as your real one. If your smart home automation systems rely on your smartphone and an internet connection, this is extremely crucial.
Any internet-connected device is vulnerable to hacking. If a thief utilizes the information to more precisely target an invasion, an online security danger might turn into a residential security threat. Here are some pointers for householders to lessen online dangers:
- Give the name and password for your home network a confusing combination.
- Install a firewall.
- Ensure that your antivirus software is current.
- For added security, enable WPA2.
3. Ingeniously bury your keys
No, not in the mailbox or beneath your doormat. No, not even behind that phony rock.
It's preferable to give a key to a dependable neighbor. You can use a combination lockbox if you don't get along with your neighbors or if you live far from the next house; just put it somewhere out of the way in your yard. Check out some more advice below.
- When parked in the driveway, don't leave your garage clicker in the car. To make it tough to find, keep it within your house and hidden from view.
- Don't bury keys next to the door behind a stone. Purchasing a phony faucet head or drain cover is less obvious.
- Keep your keys out of sight of any windows or doors. Keep them hidden in a drawer.
4. Buy a safe
Although it might seem like something out of a spy film, a safe is an inexpensive solution to secure your possessions. The best place to keep valuables like jewelry, firearms, cash, vital documents, and other confidential information is in a safe.
You have a choice between a portable safe and one that is bolted to the floor or wall. Just keep in mind that a burglar can pick up a portable safe, therefore it's preferable to have a bulky, heavy safe. Make sure the safe is water- and fire-resistant. A bit more money can be spent on a safe with fingerprint scanning technology. Here are a few pointers for purchasing a safe:
- Use a safe with redundant locks, which are safes with two locks on them.
- In an emergency, you can give the safe's passcode to a dependable friend or relative if it has one.
- On valuables, engrave your license number so that it may be found if they are stolen.
5. Phone the police
Did you know that many police agencies will send an officer to your home to conduct an inspection and advise you on how to strengthen it? There is nothing to lose because this service is free and many of their recommendations are inexpensive. Call the police right away rather than waiting until the robbers enter. Use the non-emergency line of your neighborhood police department instead of 911.
6. Watch out for markings and casing indications
There may be extremely subtle indications that someone is checking out your home. Trust your instinct if you observe strange cars or people wandering down your neighborhood streets; they might be looking for a house or having a stroll in the afternoon. A group of burglars may occasionally place particular flyers or bumper stickers close to a home they perceive as unprotected and susceptible. Additional indications that a burglar may be staking out your house include:
- door-knocking without permission
- Indications on the sidewalk next to specific homes
- photographing homes by strangers
Conclusion
Even if you're a first-time homeowner, securing your property doesn't have to be a pain; in fact, it can be enjoyable. Simple yet powerful suggestions like locking your windows and doors, talking to your neighbors, and creating a family-wide security plan can do wonders. Spending a little extra money on a home security system is also not a bad idea. Whatever you decide, safeguarding your house and protecting your family will give you peace of mind.
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