Keep your Home Secure

You have a ton of options if you want to increase the security of your house or apartment, especially during the holiday season when porch pirates might emerge from concealment to steal goods. There are proactive steps you can take to defend your area, from home security systems or devices to more affordable, DIY home security technologies.

We prepared a simple overview of the finest, simplest, and most economical things you can take to safeguard your house and repel criminals to assist with your home security checklist.

Lock all of your Windows and Doors

The first and simplest line of defense against house invaders is to lock your doors and windows, but how many of us actually do this regularly? An unlocked door or window is an ideal easy target for burglars, who frequently seek out such objects. It’s best to keep them secured even when you’re at home. Additionally, make sure all of the doors and first-floor windows are locked before you leave the house.

You can also use several gadgets to track your entrances. Smart locks can be set to lock automatically at predetermined intervals, and door and window sensors can detect whether a door or window has been left open.

This brings us to our next piece of advice.

Invest in new door locks.

If you don’t have high-quality locks, locking your doors and windows might not be sufficient. First, check that every external door has a deadbolt to make it more challenging for burglars to enter. While you’re about it, check the strength of your door frames and hinges to ensure they can withstand a break-in attempt.

Older doors with exposed hinges can put you at unneeded risk. Finally, as was already said, you can upgrade to smart locks that you can operate from a distance.

Do not put up a “Beware of the Dog” sign.

Having a pet is seen as an age-old way to secure your home, many dog owners choose to make this point very obvious by placing a sticker on their front window. Michael, however, would advise against it. He correctly points out, “As a burglar, you know you’re going to get in there because they won’t have an alarm on if they’ve got a cat or a dog wandering around.”

Additionally, showing off a pet, like a cat, will only serve to alert any would-be burglar that there is likely to be a cat-flap someplace on the back of the property, making access easier.

Invest in a Home Security System.

One of the best methods to keep burglars out and be informed if there has been a break-in is to install a home security system. According to data, there is a nearly threefold increase in burglaries when there is no security system in place. An intruder is likely to flee if they see a security camera or a sign that says you have a security system.

An excellent way to add an additional layer of home security is using home security cameras. Door and window sensors can let you know if someone has entered or is attempting to enter your home, and security cameras can warn you if there is movement in your yard or on your front porch. Your security provider might also notify law enforcement on your behalf.

Additionally, security systems don’t have to be expensive. Along with standalone devices, there are a ton of amazing DIY security systems and inexpensive security cameras available that you can install yourself.

Install lighting outside.

When breaking into a house, burglars don’t want to feel like they’re on display, and external lights can help with that. Outdoor lighting may encourage the intruder to continue moving because these crimes frequently include windows of opportunity. Consider purchasing motion-sensor lights that turn on when they notice movement in the yard rather than leaving your outdoor light on all the time. An intruder will be blinded by the brightness and perhaps run away.

There are many outdoor security cameras on the market if you want to go the extra mile. Increasing your video surveillance system can keep your family and your property as safe as possible, and there are several affordable and high-end alternatives available.

Make it appear as though someone is home.

When you’re home, most criminals won’t want to break in. They would prefer to enter a vacant house and leave as soon as possible. As a result, creating the appearance that someone is home at all times is one of the best ways to deter burglars.

This can involve leaving the TV or an interior light on throughout the workday. Make sure to have a neighbor or family member pick up your mail when you’re gone for an extended period of time, such as on vacation, as a buildup of mail can be a sign that the homeowner is away for some time.

Even more convincing effects can be achieved with smart lights, as many of them can be set to regularly switch on and off to mimic a human being’s home.

Think about purchasing a safe.

In an ideal world, no one would ever break into your house, so you wouldn’t have to be concerned about your valuables being taken. Even the best-laid intentions sometimes, unfortunately, go wrong.

And you want to make sure they can steal as little as possible if, on the off chance, an intruder does manage to get into your house.

Consider investing in a safe or lockbox first so you can store valuables like cash, jewels, essential papers, and other stuff you don’t want thieves to take. When it comes to larger objects like electronics, you can make them less likely to be stolen by hiding them when not in use. Even the tiniest deterrent can assist because thieves want to enter and exit your home as fast as possible.

Use discretion when hiding keys.

Consider where you’re placing your house key whether it’s currently in a flowerpot on the porch or under your doormat. These are the first areas burglars will check if they are aware of these common critical hiding spots. Instead, think about letting a neighbor or someone you can trust with the spare key.

If you really must have a spare key outside your house, consider safer options like a hidden combination lockbox, or at the very least, choose a hidden spot far from your doorstep. Taking a little additional care and being observant can go a long way in ensuring the safety of your house.

Buy out home insurance.

If you don’t purchase a plan from a reliable non-life insurance provider in the Philippines like MGS Insurance Agency, damage from break-ins, house fires, and other home risks can be expensive.

To learn more about protecting your house, get a quote right away.

Please read: Does your small business need fire insurance?

Conclusion

Nobody wants to experience a home invasion. By putting the advice on this checklist into practice, you may deter and stop burglars while also protecting your family and possessions. Starting small will allow you to concentrate on only a few items from this list.

You can proceed to the next tasks on the checklist after you’ve completed those. Your home and loved ones will be safer thanks to every little change you make.