Tips For Better Home Security

With summer finally upon us everyone is starting to take vacations and spend more time away from home. Unfortunately, many break-ins happen while people are on holiday and their homes are temporarily empty. This is why it’s imperative for you to make home security a top priority.  In this article, we’ll go over a few easy home security tips you can utilize to make your residence more secure for you and your loved ones, whether you’re away from home for a day or a week.

 

Alarm Systems & Cameras

 

Alarm systems are often the first step to a more secure home as they are a key deterrent for burglars. If you have a standard alarm system, it’s always best to conceal the wires in order to avoid disconnection by the potential thief. You can also invest in a doorbell camera, which allows you to see what’s happening while you’re away from home, take videos, and even communicate with people at your front door. Installing exterior cameras enables you to record and see everything happening around your home when you are away, and they serve as another hindrance to intruders targeting your home.

Doors

 

Having a solid front door, made from either wood or metal, is another important factor when securing your home. You want to ensure there is no space between your front door and the frame because even the smallest gap leaves room for a burglar to use a tool to break in. If you do notice a space, hire a professional to reinforce your door frame. Another important tip is to ensure that door hinges are on the inside of your home. If they’re not, you will want to remove the door and reset them because hinges that are exposed are an invite for unsavory characters looking to enter your home.

 

Locks

 

Whether you live in a house, apartment or condo, it’s always important to lock your door. It only takes a minute for a burglar to enter your home and steal your possessions. Even if you’re just stepping out for a few minutes to do a quick errand or walk your dog, it’s crucial to always lock your door! Also keep in mind that it’s an excellent idea to change your locks when you move into a new home. You can add further security measures such as secondary locks or latches to your door, for example, a dead bolt, barrel bolt or a hinged bar lock.

 

Windows

 

 

It’s imperative that your windows are secure as they can be an easy entrance into your property. With warmer weather we tend to keep our windows open more often, even when we’re not home, and this can lead to unwanted guests entering our residence. Make sure to always not only close but also lock all your windows when leaving the house. You can install burglar resistant glass, as well as opt for windows with multiple smaller panes as opposed to one large one.

 

Patio and Balcony Doors

 

Be sure to always lock your balcony/patio doors when you are not home. You can also utilize additional protective measures by placing a security bar or something as simple as a hockey stick or broom handle in the sliding door track. Anything that makes it harder to open the patio or balcony door will ensure the door remains closed, even with a compromised lock.

 

Lights

 

Lights are another good deterrent for burglars and a less expensive option if an alarm system is not in your budget. You should be setting your lights on timers, as this will make sure that your house is well lit, even when you are not home. It’s important to keep a perception that people are inside at all times. Plus, if you have cameras, better lighting will help capture these culprits. Another good security feature to consider are motion sensor lights, which don’t require any programming and are activated with movements around your property.

 

Social Media

 

An additional way to protect your property and personal possessions is to not share any photos or details of your home or its address on social media. Also, when you are on vacation, do not post photos or specifics of where you are or how long you will be away from home for. Protect your Wifi with a strong password so that hackers can’t access it and anything connected to it, such as home security systems and lights.

 

Keep Valuables in a Safe

Sometimes, no matter what security measures we have in place, burglars will still manage to break into our homes. While we can’t safeguard everything we own, it’s a great idea to keep your most valued possessions such as money, family heirlooms, jewelry, and important documents, locked in a safe that cannot be moved. This way, you can rest assured knowing  that the things that matter most to you will always be safe and secure.
 
Your home is your sanctuary, so make it safer for you and your family with these tips and tricks! You should head over to the Explore Hardware website to see our awesome collection of deadbolt locks and door hinges that can contribute to making your home much more secure!