What should I do to secure my home?
Have you assessed your home’s security lately? While locking your doors is an excellent line of defense, it’s far from the only one you need.
Burglars can find creative ways to get inside your home. Fortunately, there are several security devices that can ward them off. Many of these deterrents are affordable, like video doorbells, while others, such as professional home security systems, can be a hefty investment.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your home security, this guide shares tips and recommendations to point you in the right direction.
What to know about securing your home
How secure is my home?
Before you purchase security devices or services, assess your home’s current level of security. At the very least, most people have front doors, gates or garages that lock. These are all effective deterrents. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of home security measures in many households.
If you’re unsure how to determine your home’s level of security, enlist help. Some police departments and community watch organizations offer free security assessments to residents.
Another option is to hire a home security company to provide a full report. However, keep in mind that the report is ultimately part of a pitch to sell you a home security system.
Do I need more than one type of security measure in my home?
Simply put, when burglars see more obstacles to break into your home, they’re less likely to break into it.
Security professionals may suggest implementing a diverse range of security devices, including a combination of motion-sensor outdoor lights, door and window alarms or camera systems.
Additionally, it’s essential to check whether devices and measures are up-to-date. For example, newer generations of video doorbells and cameras have enhanced night vision, whereas older generations may not. As such, it’s common to upgrade security devices every few years.
How do I secure my home?
Limit access to the household
One of the easiest and most effective ways to secure your home is to limit access to the household. It’s best to give keys only to household members. However, you may need to share keys with individuals outside the household for emergency reasons. Beyond that, don’t give out more copies of keys than necessary.
If your keys are lost or stolen, you may need to change the locks on the doors to eliminate vulnerability. This is particularly important if you have identifying information on a key ring, such as a key fob or key tags.
Upgrade doors
There’s more than one way to upgrade doors to boost security. If you’re not prepared to purchase a new door, you can install new or high-tech door locks.
Smart door locks typically require keys and passcodes to gain access. These locks let users manage access remotely or receive alerts when they detect unusual activity.
Installing deadbolt locks is another option since many newer models are tamper-resistant. If you’re on a budget, steel chain door guards or slide bolt locks are affordable alternatives. They’re compatible with most doors and are easy to install.
Install window alarms
Even if your windows lock, it’s worth considering window alarms to add another layer of protection. Window alarms are generally easy to install since no wiring is required — they’re battery-operated devices. Window alarms are equipped with more than one alert mode. If windows are opened while alerts are on, a loud alarm up to 120 decibels goes off, which is likely to scare off intruders.
Install cameras
Visible outdoor cameras around doorways and windows are considered effective perimeter deterrents. Many of these cameras, such as Blink Outdoor HD Security Camera, integrate with Alexa or other smart home hubs.
Additionally, many people have indoor cameras to monitor activity inside the home. It adds another layer of surveillance, plus it allows users to keep an eye on kids or pets.
Install a video doorbell
Video doorbells are one of the best-selling home security devices. They allow users to safely interact with visitors from a distance through two-way audio. Many of these doorbells store videos in the cloud for easy sharing, either with law enforcement or on social media pages.
Install outdoor lighting
Burglars try to sneak around your home undetected, but it’s much harder to do when there’s an abundance of outdoor lighting.
Motion-activated lights can startle unwanted visitors. For household members, these lights are helpful to illuminate pathways for safer walking. Some camera systems have built-in motion-activated lights, such as this Ring Outdoor WiFi Cam.
Another option is outdoor security lights. These are usually installed around garages as well as the backs and sides of houses. Some are solar-powered, whereas others are hardwired.
It’s helpful to illuminate backyard spaces, too. Deck post lights and step lights are popular options, and there are many affordable sets on the market. If you don’t have a deck, solar pathway lights can be used to illuminate the edges of porches or patios.
Upgrade garage door openers
Garage doors may be considered soft targets since it’s easier to gain access to them than doors or windows. However, upgrading to a smart garage door opener is one way to harden the perimeter. Many of these devices integrate with smart home hubs, too.
Smart garage door openers let users control access remotely. They alert users to suspicious activity, such as when the door is tampered with or opened at an unusual time. Users can also grant temporary access remotely with these devices.
Turn on indoor lights
Turning on indoor lights gives the impression that people are home. It’s considered a simple, low-cost deterrent, even though it’s not the most energy-efficient option. While this might help for an occasional evening, it’s not practical if you’re going away for an extended period of time.
Instead, consider smart light switches to manage lights when you’re away from home. These integrate with apps and devices like Alexa devices, Google Assistant and other smart home hubs for easy scheduling.
Secure your wireless network
Besides boosting the physical security of your home, it’s important to consider cybersecurity. This is important if you have smart home devices, including locks or camera systems. Here are a few ways to protect your wireless network:
Use firewalls to monitor or block ingoing or outgoing network activity.
Change passwords frequently and don’t share passwords with individuals outside your household.
Change the password to your router to prevent unwanted visitors from accessing your network. Determine which type of encryption is best for your router.
Use a VPN, or virtual private network, to establish secure internet connections.
Rename your home network to obscure its location.
Connect with your community
Another important aspect of securing your home is by connecting with your community. Here are a couple ways to connect.
Many towns and cities have neighborhood watch groups, and residents are encouraged to participate. These work in conjunction with law enforcement to deter burglars, and ultimately, reduce crime in the area.
Join your town or city’s community page on social media sites. These forums are great for disseminating information, particularly about auto and home break-ins. Some residents even upload security footage so other residents become aware of suspicious activity.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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