A recent report in CNN shows that violent crimes and burglaries are on the rise, and this only goes to show how important home security is. Regardless where you live in the US, being able to protect your home is a necessity, and the best way to do is to set up layers of security.
Improving Home Security by Adding Layers of Protection
Layered protection is going to protect your home and provide your property with protection levels higher than those found in standard homes. Residential security protection and home safety tips includes installing wireless alarm systems, cameras and sensors. While those devices are helpful, adding layers is the most effective way of using them.
First Layer: Get Involved with the Neighborhood
One way of securing your home to deter crime is to organize or join a watch with other members of your community. Be an active member of your community and propose security options, offer home security tips and tricks and safety guidelines to improve home safety. By helping your community be more secure, you’re helping yourself and your family too.
Second Layer: House Grounds
Keeping your garden and backyard clean will improve home security as burglars will know someone’s living in the house and maintaining it. If you have to leave your home for an extended period, set up an arrangement so someone takes care of the place to keep it clean. Protect your home by keeping the hedges, grass and trees trimmed so burglars won’t have a place to hide. Trim the trees and shrubs near windows, as thieves could hide there.
When you’re done gardening or doing other outdoor work, don’t leave tools lying around the garden or yard. Burglars might stumble upon these and use them to try and break inside, so keep things tidy.
Third Layer: Secure Doors and Windows
Check your doors and windows and make sure they lock securely. Windows and doors should have durable plates. Replace or fix if there are signs of wear and tear, and give the keys only to people you trust. Do not take windows and doors for granted because they’re the ones keeping burglars out of your home.
Fourth Layer: Install a Home Security System
No home security tips and tricks list will be complete without mentioning home security systems. There are many residential security products and services available, and the following are the most common:
- Burglar Alarm: a burglar alarm uses different methods to deter break-ins including motion sensors, sirens or a combination of them.
- Sensors: sensors are set on doors, windows and other potential points of entry and access. These sensors are capable of detecting even the slightest movement and will notify you by emitting a sound or sending a message on your phone.
- CCTV Cameras help protect your home: you can install CCTV cameras around your property. Place them in a discreet location so intruders won’t realize their actions are being recorded for easy identification.
- Gate Sensors also help protect your home: these are similar to the sensors used on doors and windows, except you’ll be notified if intruders try to open an external gate.
- Fence Security: your home fence should be built from metal with pointed ends so no one can climb over it.
Some security alarm systems incorporate all of these, alarms, sensors, cameras and Wi-Fi connection. The easier and quicker they are to set up, the better, but don’t compromise ease of setup with home security. Sensors also have a range limit, so make sure there are additional sensors all around your property.
Tips for Improving Home Safety
The key to home safety is to take proactive measures. Don’t wait for burglars to attempt a break-in your home or your neighbor’s before taking action or setting up the security layer listed above.
Once your home security layer has been set up, follow these steps to further enhance the security, both in and around your home.
- Test, test, test: test the security alarm and sensors in your home. Try to “burglarize” your home and see if you can break in. Try to hack into the system and if you can avoid setting off the motion sensors. If you’re not caught, you’ll have to adjust the home security setup.
- Lock up when you go: burglars can strike anytime, even during the day, because they assume the house is empty. Day or night, lock all doors and windows to deter break-in attempts.
- For improved residential security, ask the security system installer to hide the wiring for the sensors as they’re the first thing they’ll attempt to cut.
- If you’re going to leave your house empty for a while, make it appear it’s not. Use timers to turn on the radio, lights or TV. If you are out most of the day for instance, set up your lights and TV timer to turn when you leave.
- Fix any defective burglar alarm systems in your home. This includes false alarms, as that “cry wolf” and can be an irritant to your neighbors.
- Store your keys in a safe location, preferably with you at all times. Keep your valuables in a safe.
- Other home security tips and tricks: look over your house grounds at night and take note of dark areas. Install light fixtures there and turn them on during the night. You should also install lights along entryways to protect your home and discourage burglars.
- Do not let any stranger in your house without showing their ID. If the person asks to be let in, insist on seeing their ID. If you’re still not sure, call their office to verify. Remind every member of your household to do the same.
- Do not give personal and security information online. A lot of burglars and thieves use online data to pose as friends of your friends to gain your trust.
You can also reduce your chances of being burglarized by not listing your name in phone book directories. Do not post pictures of your home and the security setup online. If you like posting pictures of your home online, change your social media page so only trusted friends can see them.
Conclusion
Securing your home is something you should never take for granted, and it’s essential you have the best security system in your home. At LockLatch, we’re here to provide the best possible security for your doors and windows.
Read more on safety & security:
10 Simple Apartment Security Tips
10 Tips to Preventing & Surviving a Home Invasion