How to Secure Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary—a place where your family should feel safe, your valuables should stay protected, and your peace of mind reigns supreme. But with threats like burglary, vandalism, and even natural disasters, securing your home has never been more important. The good news? You don’t need to turn your house into Fort Knox to keep it safe. Protect your home from potential risks and sleep a little sounder at night with these practical tips. Follow these home security tips to ensure your home remains a safe haven.

1. Assessing Your Home’s Vulnerabilities

First, figure out the weaknesses in your home’s security so your home security plan can strengthen them.

Conducting a Home Security Audit

Take a walk around your property, looking at exterior doors, windows, and entry points. Think like a person intending to break in. Approach the home from other angles, searching for blind spots. Are your locks sturdy? Do your windows seal tightly? Is your garage secure and fence gates? 

Check for areas lacking visibility or lighting—those dark corners could be inviting trouble. Neighborhood alleyways or being centered on a cul-de-sac or middle of a street help with fast get-aways.

Understanding Neighborhood Risks

Every neighborhood is different, but even rural communities without a lot of traffic report some property and violent crime. Research local crime rates online or chat with your local police department to understand the risks specific to your area. To stay informed and collaborate, join a community watch group with your neighbors.

2. Strengthening Entry Points

Doors and windows are the usual entry points for break-ins. Pay special attention to securing your front door, as it is often the primary access point for intruders. Here’s how to fortify them.

Upgrading Locks and Deadbolts

Invest in high-quality door locks and deadbolts. No wiggly doorknobs allowed! If you buy them from a hardware store, consider having them re-keyed by a professional locksmith. Anytime you move into a new home, changing the locks is smart. You don’t know who the prior owners loaned a key to. Or better yet, go smart—keyless locks are a secure and modern option. Some can be set to automatically lock or lock from afar if you’ve forgotten.

Remember to reinforce door frames. Even the most fancy locks will not stop someone from kicking a poorly built frame. Hollow core doors are also weak. All exterior doors should have a solid wood or metal core. Remember decorative glass panels are easy to break, reach in, and twist the lock to gain access.

Securing Windows

Windows are another weak link in a home’s security. First, make sure they are locked and that the locks work appropriately. Install window locks or sensors to alert you when they are opened. Consider using shatterproof glass or privacy film to thwart attempts at breaking in. These also add a sleek, modern touch.

Garage and Secondary Entrances

Don’t neglect secondary entry points like side doors, garage doors, or basement windows. Ensure they also have sturdy locks—it’s easy to overlook them, but burglars won’t. Sliding doors need multiple lock points. Add a stick or pipe to jam the tracks, preventing them from being easily pried open.

3. Installing a Home Security System

If you only make one big upgrade, consider investing in home security systems. The good news is modern security systems are fully adaptable to meet your needs and budget.

Choosing the Right System

The most robust home security systems combine cameras, motion detectors, and alarms. Today you can go for an easy DIY kit or spring for professional installation. The home security systems are made to fit different lifestyles and budgets. You can start with one component and add on as time goes on and budgets allow.

Smart Technology Integration

Modern security systems are smarter than ever. Mobile apps enable home monitoring even while sipping a latte at your favorite café. These integrated secure technology systems include:

• Smart doorbells with live streaming and video cameras so you can see who’s there and what they are doing
• Security cameras, again with real-time motion detection of people, vehicles, and even animals. When installing cameras, make them extra visible to prevent break-ins. Thieves don’t want their faces caught on camera.
• Automation systems like smart outdoor and indoor lighting that turns on based on motion or time of day to keep your house safe while making your life ultra-convenient.
• Motion sensors on doors and windows on the home’s interior, alert your alarm system of potential intruders 
• Garage door openers that automatically open and close based on your proximity or can be closed remotely from a mobile app.

Takeaway: A security system at home might not make your house impenetrable, but it’ll definitely make it less attractive to criminals.

4. Enhancing Outdoor Security

The outside of your home is the first place to prevent burglars. Added security here is the first step in creating safety around the home.

Lighting

Burglars thrive in the dark, so don’t give them the chance. Motion-sensor lighting is an easy way to keep every corner of your property illuminated without leaving the lights on all night. Place lights so they brighten up entrances, pathways, and driveways. Bonus points if the aesthetic makes your exterior pop!

Landscaping for Safety

Trim back bushes and trees, especially near windows, to eliminate hiding spots. Alternatively, plant spiky bushes under windows as a deterrent. Go the extra step by adding gravel paths—walkers won’t be able to move quietly.

Fencing and Barriers

Upgrade to sturdy fences or gates. Add codes or locks to your gates for extra security. Think “fortress,” but make it chic.

5. Protecting Valuables Inside Your Home

Once the outside is secure, it’s time to think about the inside.

Safes and Secure Storage

Invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe for your essential documents, jewelry, and other small valuables. A secure filing cabinet is also a good idea. If someone does get into your home, one of the first places they go is the master bedroom and closet. Consider hiding these safes in a different part of the home to trick potential thieves. 

Concealment Tips

Burglars have a favorite hunting ground in your home—master bedrooms. Don’t stash your cash or expensive watches in a dresser drawer. Get creative with hiding spots for your treasured valuable items. Hint: decoys work wonders.

Keep your house keys securely stored and not easily accessible to prevent unauthorized access. Having them hanging on a peg by the garage door invites thieves to enter the garage or check out your cars and sheds. 

6. Developing Good Security Habits

Even the best technology can’t replace a cautious mindset. Always lock up when you leave, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store. 

Key Management

Lost keys were so yesterday. Consider upgrading to keyless locks with codes for each family member. If you stick to traditional keys, though, don’t hide them under the mat or fake rock (too obvious!). Also, remember to store your garage door opener securely inside the house to prevent it from being used by intruders riffling through your car outside. If your car is parked in the driveway or outside, always check you’ve locked it before going to bed.

Emergency Preparedness

Create a household security plan and practice break-in drills. Knowing how to respond will help everyone stay calm in an actual emergency. Create a “safe zone” where your family can retreat in case of a breach.

Don’t Advertise

One of the best ways to deter intruders is to not advertise what items you have. That means if you’re not working in your garage, shut the door so they can’t peek inside. Keep your curtains closed at night, and avoid posting your epic vacation plans on social media.

Leveraging Community Resources

Why go it alone when you have a whole neighborhood to watch your back? Team up with your neighbors to improve security for everyone. Share tips, set up alerts, and monitor each other’s properties.

Contact your local police department for a home security assessment or attend their community workshops. They usually have great insights tailored to your area. Also alert them if you’re seeing suspicious activity around; they may send a patrol around if they have time.

Seasonal and Travel Security Tips

Different times of the year come with unique challenges to keeping your home secure. Winter brings darker days, while summer is vacation (and empty house) time.

Vacation Security Measures

Make your house look like someone’s there while you’re away. Start with light and electronics timers, having them click on during the evening and early morning hours when someone would be home. Ask neighbors to check and collect your mail to avoid the “we’re not home” look. You can also ask the post office to hold all mail if you’ll be gone longer than a few days.

Move the trash bins back towards the house and not the street. If you’ll be gone more than a few days in the summer season, arrange to have the lawn mowed. For winter travel, get that driveway and sidewalk blown off. It makes it look like someone’s home or around.

Right before you leave, walk around the home and double check you have locked all the sliding glass doors, windows, and external doors. It takes just a few minutes to prevent unlocked doors that would give thieves easy access.

Have someone you trust drive by and check on the home. You may have a dog sitter or someone watering the plants while you’re gone. They can also help make the home look occupied and cared after. If you do have a sitter, let your neighbors know who they are and when they’ll stop by so they can still be alert for unauthorized activity.

Seasonal Adjustments

Living part-time somewhere? Install storm-proof windows or shutters before hurricane season and your departure. These are free security on your vulnerable entrances. During darker months, additional lighting works wonders for both safety and aesthetics.

Remember, the holidays are prime time for break-ins because thieves know you’re buying expensive goods. Stay vigilant! Secure outdoor buildings like sheds and garages, as they can be vulnerable to theft during different seasons.

Start Securing Your Home Today

Your home’s security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start small—maybe upgrade a few locks or install a smart security camera—and work your way up. With these household security tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of intruders attempting to gain access to your home.

Need more ideas on how to keep your home safe? Gain even more expert home security suggestions. Don’t wait—start securing your home today!