14 Expert Home Security Tips for Peace of Mind

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No one wants to feel unsafe or insecure living in their own home. Although, you can never know when or if there will be problems and issues arising, there is a wealth of things you can do to prevent a criminal from targeting your house.

Making a few simple alterations, you can sleep soundly and, at the same time be sure that you have done everything to protect the closest ones and the property. Below are some guidelines to make you feel safer without making your house look like a prison.

Lock the Doors and Windows

Black Handled Key on Key Hole — Photo credit: AS Photography/Pexels

It is something that is very obvious and yet very many people will be found to have left their doors and windows open. There is no place like home, but even when you live in a very serene environment, it is important to make sure that you lock every time you leave the house. Speaking of doors, always make sure to shut them at night too, even if you’re not leaving the house; it’s a measure of protection.

Use Smart Lights

Thieves are most likely to break into a home that is located in a dark area and one that is unoccupied. To give the impression that someone is always at home use smart lights with a timer or motion sensors. You can make lights come on as you are away or get triggered by movement. This is especially similar to having an invisible bodyguard and you don’t have to flip the switch.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Red Flags That Make Your Home a Burglar's Dream — Image Credit: Pixabay

Do not let the thieves shop while scanning your shinning jewels. Store costly electronics, jewelry, and other items away from windows or any front doors for safety measurements. Tuck in your curtains and avoid displaying expensive items when you are not at home.

Add a Video Doorbell

Smart Doorbell with Camera — Photo Credit: Pexels

A video doorbell is one of those inventions that can dramatically transform your home security situation. Not only can you identify the person at your front door, but you can speak with them and let them in, even if you’re at a different place. It can be a great way too to alert the package thieves or any suspicious individuals before they approach further.

Secure Your Garage

Items to Never Leave Lying around at Your Open House — Image by Surrey Garagedoor via Flickr

Another crack that appears to be frequently disregarded by homeowners homes is the garage. Be sure to shut the door between the house and the garage as well as never leave your garage door opener lying around in the car where it may be grabbed. Should you have a smart garage opener, even better—you can check from your phone whether the garage door is shut or not when you are not at home.

Get a Dog

It turns out that Man’s best friend also makes for one of the best security systems available out there. The sight and sound of a dog can scare would-be intruders away from your house, just imagine a dog barking. Any dog, no matter how small, will wake up when something changes and alert you before you realize yourself.

Trim Back Bushes and Shrubs

Although tall hedges or shrubbery may provide some degree of privacy for individuals in the premises, the same greenery affords the intruders a good concealed environment. Prune trees and shrubs so that you enhance visibility of doors and windows from the street. The more visible your doors and windows are, the less likely a thief will attempt to pry open your doors or force a window.

Don’t Advertise Vacations on Social Media

Even as much as it may be tempting to post your vacation photos while on the beach, wait until you are back at home. Telling everyone on social media that your house is empty is almost as good as putting out the welcome mat for burglars. Keep mute until you are back and safe.

Reinforce Entry Points

Deadlock With Key on Hole — Photo Credit: Pexels

A little reinforcement can inspire great change. You might want to change your locks to dead bolts and add more hardware to doors and windows to make them stronger and harder to open. Ideally, a door that has a reinforced strike plate or a window with security film is much more difficult to breach than general configurations.

Light Up Your Yard

According to CoolBlew, lighting is the enemy of a burglar within your compound and especially your yard. Turn on the lights outside your compound especially in the corners to deny an intruder a hiding place. These lights are not just used to frighten intruders away but also to provide and enhances security for property owners like you.

Install a Security System

There is no better investment that you can get for your home than the security system if well installed and implemented. It could be a professional security system that uses cameras and sensors or even a smart security system which homeowners install themselves; having an alarm discourages intruders.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Friendly neighbors can be your best security asset You could be surprised at how much info a neighbor can give you. They can act as surveillance devices that watch your home when you are out, take deliveries and call attention to odd happenings. Moreover, a neighborhood where members are protective of one another is a less likely target to burglars. That’s like having an unofficial neighborhood watch group.

Window and Door Alarm

Low technology simple alarms can be fixed on doors and windows; they are very effective and relatively cheaper security enhancements. In case anyone attempts to open any window or door in the house, the alarm will ring and chase away the intruder. They are less invasive and can afford you the confidence you need especially if your compound has many entry points.

Store Spare Keys in a Secure Place

Everyone once in awhile has probably thrown a spare key under the doormat or in a flower pot but burglars are aware of these tactics as well. Give an extra key to a neighbor that can be relied on or you can purchase a lock box that uses a number code. The extra effort could help you avoid finding a stranger casually walking right in.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.