Home security is a priority for every homeowner. Securing your home should be more than just locking the doors at night. These essential tips will help you improve home security and give you peace of mind.
Upgrade Your Door Security
The front door is often the first entry point for burglars, making it crucial to reinforce it. Start by inspecting the condition of your door and its locks. If your front door is hollow, consider replacing it with a solid core or metal door, which is far more difficult to kick down.
Make sure you have deadbolt locks installed. Deadbolts offer better resistance than regular doorknobs, which can easily be forced open. Reinforce the strike plate on your doorframe, as this is where most break-in attempts will be focused. If possible, upgrade to a longer strike plate with screws that are at least three inches long. This increases the door’s ability to resist forced entry.
Installing a doorbell camera allows you to monitor any suspicious activity at your entrance. Many smart doorbell cameras offer real-time alerts and video feeds, allowing you to monitor your doorstep from anywhere.
Secure Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Windows and sliding glass doors are vulnerable access points, especially if they lack proper security features. If your window locks are outdated or flimsy, start by upgrading them. Consider installing window sensors that alert you when a window is opened unexpectedly.
For added protection, you can reinforce windows with security films or shatter-resistant glass. These measures help prevent break-ins by making the glass harder to break or shatter.
Sliding doors are also notorious for being easy targets. To secure sliding glass doors, install a security bar or rod in the track to prevent the door from being opened from the outside. Additionally, adding a secondary lock or installing a smart lock specifically designed for sliding doors increases the overall security.
Install a Home Security System
A comprehensive home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property. Modern security systems come with various features, including motion sensors, door/window sensors, cameras, and smart home integration. These systems allow you to monitor activity in and around your home, providing real-time alerts directly to your phone or computer.
When choosing a security system, opt for one with professional monitoring services. This ensures that if your alarm is triggered, authorities are alerted immediately. A loud siren as part of your alarm system can also deter intruders and draw attention to your home in case of an attempted break-in.
Many home security systems now come with smart features, allowing you to control locks, cameras, and lights from your smartphone. This type of system increases your security and gives you peace of mind, knowing you have control over your home’s safety even when you’re not there.
Improve Outdoor Lighting
A well-lit exterior is a major deterrent to would-be intruders. Dark corners and shadows create hiding places for burglars, so improving outdoor lighting is essential to enhance home security. Install motion-activated lights around your home’s perimeter, focusing on entry points such as doors, windows, and garages.
Ensure that your front and backyards are well-lit, especially during the night. Solar-powered lights can be an excellent choice for energy efficiency, and they automatically turn on as the sun sets. For additional security, consider installing floodlights in areas where visibility is limited.
Lighting deters intruders and improves the visibility of suspicious activity around your home. A brightly lit property makes it more difficult for someone to approach without being noticed.
Invest in High-Quality Surveillance Cameras
Cameras play a vital role in improving home security. A visible camera alone can be enough to discourage potential burglars from targeting your home. Install security cameras in strategic locations around your property, particularly near doors, windows, and driveways.
Modern security cameras offer features like night vision, motion detection, and cloud storage for recorded footage. With smart cameras, you can receive alerts when motion is detected and even access live footage from your phone. This level of surveillance allows you to monitor your property in real-time, providing crucial evidence if a break-in occurs.
Make sure your cameras are placed in prominent locations, but ensure they are out of reach to avoid tampering. Combine these cameras with a video doorbell for a complete surveillance system that covers all entry points.
Reinforce Your Garage Security
The garage is often overlooked when it comes to home security, but it can be one of the weakest points of entry. If your garage door is automatic, make sure to change the default access codes and regularly update the security system connected to the opener. Always keep your garage door closed when not in use, as an open door can be an invitation for intruders.
Consider installing motion sensors and cameras inside the garage, especially if it’s connected directly to your home. A security alarm that triggers if the garage door is opened unexpectedly adds another layer of protection.
For added security, you can install a deadbolt on the door leading from your garage to your home, ensuring intruders can’t easily access your living space, even if they get into the garage.
Maintain Your Landscaping
Believe it or not, your landscaping can greatly impact your home’s security. Tall bushes and overgrown trees create hiding spots for burglars, so keep your yard well-maintained. Trim shrubs and plants that block windows or obscure the view of your front door. This reduces the risk of someone being able to hide close to your home.
Consider planting thorny bushes around vulnerable access points like windows to deter intruders from trying to break in. Low fencing and gates can also enhance security, especially if they are high enough to prevent someone from easily climbing over.
When choosing landscape lighting, select fixtures that illuminate darker areas, such as the sides of your home and near the garage, eliminating blind spots for criminals to exploit.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Home security extends beyond physical measures. With the increasing use of smart home devices, securing your Wi-Fi network is crucial to prevent cyber-attacks. Make sure your Wi-Fi is password-protected, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
If you have smart security devices connected to your home network, secure each device with strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, as this adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to access your system remotely.
Build a Community Watch Program
Building relationships with your neighbors is one of the most overlooked methods of improving home security. A strong neighborhood watch program can drastically reduce crime rates, as neighbors look out for each other and report suspicious activity.
Work with your neighbors to create a network where everyone is vigilant and informed about potential threats. Neighborhood watch groups often communicate through social media or apps, alerting members to recent crime activity in the area. Having extra eyes on your property, especially when you’re away, can significantly deter crime.
By taking these steps, you can make your home more secure and create an environment that deters intruders. Home security isn’t just about the latest technology; it’s about creating layers of protection that cover all vulnerabilities.
R. Sorensen Construction and Inspections provides home inspection services to customers in Eastern Oregon. Contact us to schedule an appointment.