There’s no place like home, so keeping your home safe and secure should always be at the top of your priority list. As such, employing and engaging in some basic home security practices is essential in creating a safe environment for your loved ones and valuables.
If you’re wondering how to improve your home security, you’ve come to the right place. For this article, we will go back to the security improvement basics that can enhance your home safety, ranging from simple checks of your doors and windows to implementing a home security system.
Secure Your Doors And Windows
Even with the most sophisticated home security systems, an unlocked door or window invites any would-be thief to enter your home with little to no resistance. Locking your doors and windows is the first and most basic line of defence against intruders, especially in areas of your home where people may not visit as frequently (such as the guest room).
Unless you have a direct line of sight, keeping your doors and windows locked even when you’re at home is a good idea. Double-check the doors and first-floor windows to ensure they’re all locked if you plan on leaving the house.
In addition to the above, you can invest in pick-resistant locks for your doors and windows, a significant deterrent for anyone attempting to break into your home discretely via lockpicking.
Keep Your Valuables Hidden Away
While house break-ins are often crimes of opportunity, some thieves may scout out potential targets ahead of time to ensure that a house is worth breaking into. As such, it is best if you’re able to store any valuables you may have in places where intruders can’t directly see.
Generally, avoid leaving expensive tools or bicycles out in the open. If you keep your bikes or tools in the garage, try to avoid leaving the garage door open for long periods.
It’s best to avoid putting expensive electronics, wallets, jewellery, or other valuables in front of an open window. Consider installing window treatments such as curtains or blinds to keep prying eyes at bay.
Have Outdoor Lighting And Cameras
Surveillance and good lighting can deter anyone attempting to break into a home.
As break-ins are often opportunity crimes, providing the exterior of your home with high visibility lighting may encourage potential thieves to leave your home alone or risk being spotted by a neighbour or passing individual.
Motion-activated lights, in particular, are an excellent investment because they not only use less energy (as they only turn on when activated), but the sudden activation may catch an intruder off guard and cause them to flee the premises.
In addition to lighting, having visible security cameras outside your home is an excellent way of dissuading anyone from breaking in. And if not, you have a good source of evidence to help with the investigation and reclaiming of your stolen items.
There are several low-cost to high-end floodlight and security camera options on the market, so be sure to do your research so you can better protect your property and your loved ones.
Be Aware Of Garage Door Security
Garage doors are often overlooked in home security, but they are just as vital as the rest of your home. Would-be thieves can frequently gain deeper entry into your home through your garage, and they can still steal valuable tools or vehicles you keep in the garage.
There are several ways to improve garage door security, including replacing it with a more robust garage door and investing in security locks. Even if you have security measures in place, keep the interior door between your garage and home locked at all times. That way, even if someone does gain access to your garage, they may have difficulty entering your home.
Check Your Surroundings
Bushes and shrubs near your home may offer great aesthetic value, but they can also serve as a convenient hiding place for thieves. You can help to make your home more secure by keeping your bushes and trees well-trimmed.
It would help if you also looked for any trees that can provide access to the home’s second floor. Although most thieves target doors and first-floor windows, some will scale a tree to access second-floor windows, which are often left unattended.
Improve Your Home Safety And Security With Home Safety Store
At Home Safety Store, we believe in empowering our customers with information that will help them decide what safety products and solutions will work best for their needs. From CCTVs to home intercom systems and wireless alarm systems, we have a variety of home safety and security solutions to help keep your property and loved ones safe and sound.
Get in touch with us today to make your home safer. We’re happy to walk you through the specifics so you can find the ideal product for you.
