Checklist for home security: how to keep your home safe from break-ins

There are numerous efficient techniques to keep intruders out of your home. We’ll go over some techniques and tricks that would-be intruders don’t want you to know in this article. Continue reading to ensure the safety of your home and family.

By NATALIE GLEN

All entrance points should be secured

The windows and doors to your home are the most susceptible entrance points. Forcible entrance can be deterred using strong deadbolt locks and window bars. While you’re gone from home, consider using security cameras and motion sensors to keep an eye on popular entry points.

1. Examine all of the doors

A thief’s easiest point of access is through the door. In reality, around 34% of burglars enter through the front door, which is often the first place they try. If you have a mail slot, make sure no one can unlock the door by reaching inside with their hand or a tool. Installing a peephole, rather than a glass window or a smaller aperture, is another wonderful option to strengthen the security of your front door. It allows you to see unexpected guests and is significantly more secure than a glass window or smaller opening.

Deadbolts, strike plates, and smart locks can help you secure your door even more. Smart locks, a video doorbell, and other home security devices are great ways to add to your house’s security.

Exterior front doors:  A hollow door, which may be kicked in, is less secure than a solid-core metal or wood door. Although most people imagine criminals painstakingly picking locks to get access via a door, they usually just smash it down with physical force. As a result, you should reinforce your front door with a door reinforcement plate and a door jamb reinforcement kit. These two kits are simple enough to install yourself with basic household equipment and a little time.

Glass sliding doors: Sliding doors should be connected to the internal floor track with a safety bar. Sliding doors are popular with burglars because they often have a flimsy lock that isn’t strong enough to keep them in place. Criminals can obtain leverage and open the door with a simple yet powerful kick to the bottom of the slider. For added security, we recommend using a floor bolt or a foot lock.

2. Strengthen the windows

Burglars are continually looking for opportunities to break in. Check your windows for security and make it a practice to lock them every time you leave the house or before going to bed.

Unfortunately, a window lock won’t always work – latches are often flimsy and won’t withstand blunt force. Window security film and window bars or dowels can be used to reinforce the glass. Here are some suggestions for making your windows burglar-proof:

Sensors in the windows: If a window is smashed, install window sensors that will sound an alarm. Certain sensors will immediately give you a warning to your phone if motion or a glass break is detected.

Pin locks: Pin locks keep windows partially open while yet keeping them secure. There are additional advanced pin less variants available.

Put up curtains: This gives privacy while also concealing valuables.

Natural defenses: Prickly or thorny shrubs should be planted beneath first-story windows.

Sturdier glass: Install impact-resistant safety glass in extreme circumstances. This is a good option for small windows that aren’t used very often.

3. Maintain the safety of your garage

Because of the vulnerability of the garage door, it is very easy for attackers to jimmy a latch and raise, punch, or kick the door open. Make sure the garage door is closed, the latch is latched, and the inner door is locked.

If you park your car outside, whatever you do, don’t leave your garage door opener clipped inside. It’s far too simple for burglars to smash your window and get entrance to your garage with a single button touch.

Consider installing a home automation system that closes your garage door automatically after you open it. Intruders might be deterred by motion-activated flood lights in the garage.

When you go on vacation, try to unplug the garage opener. Even better, lock the door so that robbers are unable to open it. Simply drill a hole in the track directly above a roller and lock it with a padlock for a low-cost DIY project.

1. Old locks should be replaced.

It’s critical to update all of the locks when moving into a new property. Previous owners, as well as their relatives, friends, and contractors who worked on the house, may have copies of the keys. If you’re a renter, check with your landlord to see if the locks have been replaced. Replace any low-quality locks with ones that can withstand picking or kicking while you’re at it.

2. Install a surveillance system.

It’s time to install a security system once you’ve covered the essential practices for home security. The greatest home security systems are easy to set up and don’t cost a fortune. A security camera can be installed as part of a larger security system or on its own.

Cameras with mobile apps are perfect since they allow you to view real-time footage 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 throughout the house at different times of the day so that your home never appears empty from the outside.

Some home security systems need to be installed by a professional. If you prefer not to use hardwired security systems, wireless security systems are also available.

3. Maintain a bright and clean yard.

Although you may not realize it, poor landscaping assists potential burglars in more ways than one. Dense trees, thick shrubs, and burnt-out or insufficient lighting, to name a few. Intruders are deterred by lights, especially in dark areas. Consider installing illumination in your front and rear yards, as well as along walks.

Yard lighting: Deterrents such as automated lighting with infrared motion sensors is quite effective. These are particularly helpful when you’re on vacation. For a more environmentally friendly option, use solar-powered lights.

Street lighting: Burglars prefer to work on streets that are barely lighted. Check with your neighborhood association to see if more lights may be installed on the roadway. This improves visibility, which is advantageous to both you and your neighbors.

Fence or gate: To truly secure your property, you should put in customized fences. A tall, substantial fence is more difficult to climb than a chain-link fence and provides more seclusion. For further security, a padlock can be purchased to keep a gate or fence entrance locked.

4. Protect your Wi-Fi network

It’s easy to overlook the fact that your Wi-Fi need protection beyond your login password, but there are a few actions you can take to guarantee that your virtual world is as secure as your real one. This is especially critical if you use your smartphone and internet connection to control smart home automation devices.

Any internet-connected device can be hacked. If a thief utilizes the data to better target an invasion, an online security concern might become a home security threat. Here are some suggestions for reducing cyber dangers for homeowners:

• Give your home network a strange name and a difficult password.
• Check to see if your antivirus software is up to date.
• Install a firewall.
• For added security, enable WPA2.

5. Hide your keys in a clever location.

No, not in your mailbox or beneath your doormat. No, not even under that fictitious rock.

It’s preferable to entrust a key to a trusted neighbor. You can use a combination lockbox if you don’t get along with your neighbors or if you live in a remote region. Just make sure it’s in an out-of-the-way location in your yard. Below are some more helpful hints.

If your car is parked in the driveway, don’t keep your garage clicker in it. Keep it hidden and out of sight inside your home so it’s tough to find.

Place keys out of sight of a window or door. Keep them hidden in a drawer.

Don’t bury your keys near the door under a rock. Purchasing a phoney drain cap or faucet head is less noticeable.

Bottom line

Securing your property doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it can be enjoyable, particularly if you’re a first-time homeowner. Security recommendations as simple as protecting your windows and doors, reaching out to neighbors, and establishing a security strategy that the entire family can support can go a long way. It’s also not a bad idea to spend a little extra on a home security system. Whatever you choose, the peace of mind that comes with securing your house and keeping your family safe will be well worth it.