Home security aims at protecting your property and the people inside it from home intrusion, fire, burglary, and environmental disasters like burst pipes. Alarm system signs like outdoor cameras, yard signs, and stickers for video surveillance can help deter burglars whose crimes are usually opportunistic. Enhancing your home security gives you the peace of mind that your property is safe regardless of whether you’re around.
Tightening home security is an excellent way to reduce your home insurance premiums. It also increases your home’s value and safety while ensuring a secure neighborhood. While home security systems may be costly, they’re worth every coin. This article outlines eight tips for improving your home security.
1. Enhance front door security
Your front door should reflect your style and curb appeal, but security should also be paramount. If your front door isn’t secured, it increases the risk of a burglar breaking in. Assess the current door security to determine how secure it is. Is it old or new? Does it have cracks at the edges or rust at the hinges? Check your door’s locking system to ensure it’s solid and functional.
To improve your front door security, replace your old door frame and install a deadbolt and door chain. If you’ve moved to a new place, rekey the locks or replace them completely to reduce the risk of a stranger coming in without your consent. Since intruders love darkness, keeping the front door lit can help discourage them from invading your property. While front door glass panes are a decorative element, an intruder can smash them to reach through and open the deadbolt.
If your door has a lot of glass, replace it with a solid one. Alternatively, you can apply a security film as an anti-shatter coating. You may also get a new front door with all the latest security features while ensuring it suits your home’s aesthetics. You can find various front door options that are stylish and secure from DoorsPlus.com.au or any other reliable website.
2. Burglar-proof your windows
Burglar-proofing your windows is an excellent way to deter criminals from accessing your property. Windows are highly prone to break-ins. To burglar-proof your windows, start by installing bars on the exterior to keep potential thieves from gaining access to break the glass or force it open. If you don’t like the bars altering your home’s appearance, you can consider security films as they make your windows harder to penetrate.
If your windows aren’t as strong, consider replacing them with new, more secure ones. Installing secondary window locks such as pin locks can also help keep the burglars away. Polycarbonate safety shields are another safety installation to consider as they’re stronger than glass and make your window impenetrable.
3. Install a home alarm system
Thanks to wireless technology prevalence, alarm systems are becoming an affordable way to improve home security. Finding out that your home has an alarm system is sufficient to keep burglars away, protecting your valuables and loved ones. A modern home alarm system allows remote access through any computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity.
This makes it possible to access video surveillance to control various systems remotely, such as disarming and arming the home alarm system and unlocking and locking the doors. Home alarm systems can also alert you in case of smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide buildup. Installing these systems in your home not only enhances security but also gives you the peace of mind that your property is secure.
4. Add security cameras
Installing security cameras is an effective way to safeguard your home. Should a break-in occur, the footage the security cameras record can make it easier to identify the thief and get them back or be compensated. Security cameras enable you to monitor your family and home in real-time, from anywhere. If your security cameras are visible to burglars, the chances of them burgling your home are higher than when they’re hidden.
To successfully deter crime, get top-quality security cameras for clear footage at any time of the day and weather conditions. You should also place in strategic positions, including the front door, side and back doors, garage entrance, and overview of the back and front yard.
5. Consider motion sensor lights
When used with security alarms and systems, motion sensor lights play a crucial role in enhancing home security. Indoor and outdoor motion sensor lights help improve visibility around and inside your home to ensure your security cameras never miss anything. The motion detector lights are a reliable invasion warning sign because the lights might not always be on. You can install motion sensors in specific places in your home, including the basement, shades, garage, porch, entryway, and around your garden.
6. Invest in outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to enhance your home security. Well-lit homes discourage prospective intruders, reduce hiding spots and improve your property’s sense of safety. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t over-illuminate your yard because excess lighting can risk your home by drawing unwanted attention and letting intruders and potential burglars view your valuables. Outdoor lighting elements vary in functionality, capability, and size.
Before buying these lights, research those suitable for your property, including flood lights, mounted luminary lights, lampposts, step lights, or landscape luminary lights. Strategically place the lights around your home in areas like above entrances, doorways, or exits, along driveways and walkways, backyard gathering spots like decks and patios, and near landscaping, such as bushes and trees. Your outdoor lighting can only remain effective if they’re functioning optimally, so ensure proper maintenance.
7. Use plants
Plants are a cost-effective and attractive way to upgrade your home security system. With the right shrubs and plants around your property, you can successfully dissuade burglars from coming too close to your home. You can find plants with various poisons, thorns, and more theft-deterrent characteristics to prevent unwanted contact. You can plant thorny rose bushes, holly bush, or a creeping juniper carpet.
8. Automate your home
Home automation is an excellent way to enhance security around your home. Automating your home offers you control over your door locks, lights, smoke alarms, security cameras, and other safety elements. You can schedule your lights to turn on and off when you aren’t home to keep intruders away.
Endnote
Security can be a major headache for most homeowners. However, these tips can help you improve your home security.
