How to Secure Your Home: Top Security Tips
Protecting your home has never been more important. With all the new home security technology out there you have so many ways to protect your property, family and belongings. Whether it’s a burglar alarm or reinforcing your doors and windows, prevention is key to keeping the bad guys out.
This guide will go through all the ways to protect your home and introduce you to the solutions.
1. Get a Security System for Real Time Alerts
The first line of defence for your home should be a security system. A burglar alarm or a more advanced alarm system will alert you to any unusual activity. Modern security systems can also give you real time alerts on your phone so you can monitor for break ins or forced entry. A wireless alarm system is ideal for those who want flexibility and ease of installation especially for larger properties.
2. Secure Your Doors and Windows
Most break ins are forced entry and doors and windows are the most common entry points. Forced entry is most common through doors and windows. To add extra security to these vulnerable areas consider installing deadbolt locks on your front and external doors as they are much more secure than standard locks. Check your door frames and every window frame to see if they are weak or damaged. Reinforce weak doors with stronger materials and add a door chain for extra security. British standard locks are also worth investing in as they meet high security standards.
For windows use locks on double hung windows and make sure window locks are installed on all accessible points. Add window security film to prevent glass from shattering on impact and to deter break ins.
3. Get Security Cameras for 24/7 Monitoring
Security cameras around your home’s exterior will keep an eye on all entry points including the driveway, garage door and front door. Cameras are a big deterrent as burglars are less likely to target homes where they might be caught on camera. Make sure cameras are placed to cover doors, windows and other points of entry to your home.
A smart security camera with motion detection will send you alerts if there’s any unusual activity so you can act fast if there’s a break in.
4. Secure the Garage and Other Secondary Entrances
The garage door is often overlooked when it comes to home security but it’s an easy entry point for burglars. Install a good garage door opener with security features and always keep it locked when not in use. Keep the garage door opener out of sight to prevent burglars from getting to it and consider adding a deadbolt lock to any doors that connect the garage to your home.
5. Light Up Your Home’s Exterior
Outdoor lighting is one of the simplest and most effective security measures. A well lit home exterior is a big deterrent to burglars and other criminals. Install lights around your home’s perimeter especially near entry points like doors and windows. Motion activated lights are great for entry points and dark corners as they will surprise intruders and make it hard for them to move undetected.
6. Strengthen Your Front Door and Door Lock
Your front door is your main entry point and reinforcing it will make a big difference to your home security. Many burglaries involve forced entry so consider upgrading to wooden doors with a solid core or even a metal one if you can.
Door locks including deadbolt locks and British standard locks should be installed for maximum security. Add a door chain and secure weak door frames for extra security. A video doorbell will also allow you to see who’s at your door giving you an extra layer of control over your home’s security.
7. Keep Your House Keys and Important Documents Safe
Never leave spare keys outside your home as this is the first place burglars will check. Instead give spare keys to a trusted neighbour or family member. Keep important documents and valuables in a safe that’s bolted to a wall or floor.
This added security measure will prevent valuable items from being taken in the event of a break in.
8. Turn on Lights When You’re Away
One of the easiest ways to secure your home is to make it look occupied even when you’re not there. Turning on lights or setting timers for your lights when you’re away will make burglars think twice. A well lit home is less appealing to potential intruders who prefer to work in the shadows.
9. Get a Smoke Alarm and Extra Security Features
While securing against intruders is important, securing against other threats is just as critical. Installing smoke alarms throughout your home will alert you to fires and protect your family.
10. Get Home Insurance for Extra Protection
Home insurance is an important step in protecting your assets. In case of a break in, damage or theft a good home insurance will help you recover your losses. Most insurance companies even offer discounts if you install certain home security features like burglar alarms or smoke alarms so this will save you money and increase your home’s security.
Conclusion
In the last 10 years home security has become part of household management. By following these security measures—installing an alarm system, securing your doors and windows, using security cameras and practicing safe key management—you can create a safer home.