Your home is your sanctuary, and keeping it secure should be a top priority. While there are many technological aids available, there are also simple steps you can take to better protect your home.
Make it harder for burglars to sneak up on your home at night by adding security lighting. Install outdoor lights with motion sensors or use timers to switch on and off the TV or radio while you’re away. Home security systems protect you and your home from being robbed or burglarized.
1. Lock Your Doors and Windows
Many burglaries occur during daylight, when homeowners are at work and their homes are left vulnerable. Locking your doors and windows not only helps to keep you and your family safe, but it also acts as a deterrent for would-be thieves.
Criminals look for weak spots, such as poorly secured entry points, a lack of security systems and exterior lights, and doors and windows that seem easy to break into. Adding door reinforcements, window security film and locking double-hung windows can make your home more difficult to break into, as can installing motion-activated lighting.
It is also important to create a realistic appearance of activity in your home when you are away, whether you are home or not. Leaving your TV or radio on, keeping your driveway and walkway clear of snow and hiring neighbors to collect and mail can all help make it appear as though someone is in residence.
2. Keep Your Shrubs and Bushes Trimmed
It is important to keep shrubs and bushes trimmed as overgrown plants can block windows, make doorways difficult to navigate, and potentially conceal criminal activity around the property. Trimming can also prevent twigs and branches from becoming airborne projectiles during high winds, which may damage your home or car.
DO Prune Entire Branches
When pruning a shrub, remove entire branches that are too long or overgrown rather than simply cutting back to a point where the old branch meets the new growth. This helps the plant heal and promotes new growth.
DO NOT Paint Pruning Cuts
Instead, use shears to cleanly clip branches. Avoid painting trimming cuts as it does not speed up healing and can actually promote rot and disease.
3. Keep Your Pool Fenced
A pool is a fun addition to any home, offering a chance for a relaxing evening swim or a boisterous pool party. However, it also poses an innate risk that requires proper care to prevent tragic accidents.
If your yard has a pool, a fence is an absolute must to keep both children and animals away from it. Animals may view the pool as a place to cool off and may underestimate its depth, leading to a drowning accident.
The best type of fencing for a pool is one that is low enough to allow you to easily monitor the area, yet high enough to prevent unwanted guests from entering. Additionally, fencing that mimics the appearance of enhanced security measures can help deter criminals because they tend to be intimidated by these devices.
4. Keep Expensive Electronics Out of Sight
Losing expensive electronics is one of the most costly things you can suffer from a burglary. From laptops to flat screens, cameras and more, it is a pain that can leave you feeling devastated.
A burglar may notice a new piece of electronics lying around the curb or a pile of discarded boxes from an expensive purchase. Make sure to keep these items bagged up until trash day and cart them away once they are picked up to prevent intruders from targeting your home.
A video doorbell camera can help you see who is at your front door before you open it, deterring some burglars from even attempting a break-in. You can also install whole-house surge protection to protect your home from electrical damage.
5. Keep Your Windows Covered
Whether you’re relaxing after a long day or catching up on the latest season of your favorite show, windows provide both natural light and a sense of security. But the right window treatments can increase this feeling of safety without sacrificing your privacy.
Blinds and curtains can add a layer of security, particularly if you choose shutters, which can be latched and locked in place. These window coverings also help protect your home from UV damage. This is important because UV rays can fade painted walls, area rugs, furniture and more.
Another way to improve your home’s security is by installing a video doorbell. This lets you see who is at your door and communicate with them before opening it, preventing unwanted visitors. This is especially helpful if you are out of town or on vacation.
