Is your house protected by a home security system? There are usually 2.3 to 2.6 million burglaries every year and most of those happen during the day while you aren’t home. You don’t have to be a victim of one of these crimes if you take critical steps today to protect your home and your family.
Keep reading to learn about the different security options that are available for protecting your home against intruders and some things that you can start doing today!
- Update Your Door Locks
If you have been living in your home for a while then it’s possible your outer door locks are in need of replacement. These locks can become damaged over time making it really easy for someone to be able to pick the lock or jimmy it open.
If you have lived in the area for a long time you may have given an extra key to your neighbor, family member, or friend. After a while, these relationships might deteriorate or people move away. Unfortunately, these people still have access to your home, even if you don’t want them too.
If any of these scenarios are true for you, it is time to either rekey your locks or replace them entirely. Newer door locks have been designed to be more secure and some are tamper-proof, meaning it’s not very easy for someone to jimmy it open.
- Keep Your Doors Locked
A lot of people assume that most burglaries happen during the cover of night, but a great majority of them happen during the daytime. Since burglars are trying to avoid getting caught they assume most people aren’t going to be home during the day, and use that as an opportunity to steal from you.
If you are home during the day or are heading out to work, make sure you keep your doors locked. Do not assume that just because it is daytime you are safe from an unwanted visitor. It is especially unnerving to think about what might happen if you are home during a home invasion.
If you have a large yard with a fence you might want to consider adding a locked gate as an extra precaution for protecting your home. These gates help deter thieves from wanting to gain entry to your property. These are some of the best gate openers you can use to help you get in and out of your residence easily.
- Replace Your Doors and Windows
When getting ready to replace your locks, you should evaluate your front door and see if it is in good shape or if it is flimsy and weak.
If your door is older, a well-placed kick or slam could let it break open easily. Exterior doors should be replaced if they are hollow, thin, or broken, if you are unable to replace it at this time then a security bar or barricade can help protect you for the time being.
Windows should have locks or bars added if they are in good shape. If there are any weak points in the glass or frame then they should be replaced immediately.
If you have a sliding glass door you should consider adding a foot lock or burglar bar to the track. This will help keep the door from being able to be slid open by force.
- Exterior Lighting
Having a well-lit exterior of your home will help keep burglars from attempting to break into your home at night. By eliminating their ability to move freely through your yard under the cover of darkness you increase your chances that they won’t choose your home as a target.
If you currently have regular lights outside, you can update them into motion sensor lights by switching to motion-sensing light bulbs. You can also add a motion detection adapter in between the socket and your regular light bulb.
Motion sensors will detect if there is any unwanted movement on your property and light up the area they are in. Oftentimes this is enough for them to leave the area and abandon their attempt at breaking into your property.
If they do continue to enter your residence, there are interior versions of motion sensors that can be used to alert you to their presence.
- Hide Your Valuables
You’ve worked hard to get where you are today and as a result, you might own some new vehicles or other expensive items. These items are a symbol of your wealth and shouldn’t be flashed around.
Outside your home, you should put all your bicycles, tools, and any other items that are easy to grab in your garage. Inside your home, you should keep your blinds down or curtains drawn to keep anyone passing by the ability to see inside your home.
Thieves will use any opportunity they can to case your home as a target and by allowing them visual access into your home they can determine if it’s worth their time breaking in.
All of your jewelry, cash, and important paperwork should be put in a household safe. If you have a social gathering, and there are close and distant acquaintances in attendance, you should be careful of who you show your expensive electronics to or any collections you might have. Don’t trust anyone, a lot of burglaries happen to people by those they are acquainted with.
- Alarm System
One of the best forms of home security you can invest in is a basic home alarm system. There are many options these days to choose from. Such as, alarm systems that you can purchase and set up yourself, or professional companies that will help monitor your home for you.
With the DIY security systems, you can set up cameras, sensors, and control panels that allow you to control and monitor your own home. With a professional company, they will come and install the security system and monitor it for you.
Learn More About Your Different Security Options Today!
There are a lot of different security options that are available to you these days. Some are easy enough, just locking your doors and putting your expensive items out of sight. Others require a little bit more effort, you can replace your exterior doors and locks, install motion detectors, or add an alarm system.
When it comes to keeping your family and home safe, you have to be constantly aware and update or replace your security features periodically.
If you would like more household tips or information, be sure to visit our website daily!
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