Installing and setting up home security features is no doubt less fun and exciting than typical home upgrades and decorations. However, it is equally important, if not more.
Your home is your castle, a place where you expect to be comfortable and safe.
Unfortunately, they can be a target for criminals. Over one million burglary cases are recorded in the United States (U.S.) yearly, with a case happening every 25.7 seconds.
In 2021 alone, $737,294,919,165 worth of property was stolen from homes. Meanwhile, only 13 percent of property crimes are solved each year.
Before a home invasion, burglars examine the security setups of a home to assess its flaws and most of the time, they find it in the windows, doors, and garages.
Setting up appropriate and effective security measures is the best way to protect your home from intruders.
20 Home Security Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
1. Always lock your doors and windows
Although an obvious security tip, many homeowners still forget to do this. It is estimated that one-third of all home burglars accessed the property through unlocked doors and windows.
Some homeowners feel too secure because they trust their neighbors and that such incidents are not rampant in their neighborhood.
Burglars go from home to home, and street to street seeking an easy target. Ensuring your doors and windows are well locked can safeguard your home against these intruders.
2. Install security screen doors
Instead of typical doors, install security screen doors. They are designed with stronger frames — steel, aluminum, and other metal alloys — that can withstand forced pressure.
These doors are a perfect choice for homeowners who want to improve their home’s security while enjoying fresh air and natural light. You can also expect considerable improvement in your privacy when you install them. You can see objects outside through the mesh but those outside cannot see inside.
They can be installed as standalone doors or over an existing door.
3. Trim your landscaping
It is recommended that you keep trees at a safe distance away from your home. Cut bushes and trim trees away from your windows and doors.
They should be between 2 to 3 feet tall such that they will not obstruct your vision and ensure your property has clear sightlines. This will eliminate hiding places for potential intruders.
4. Install security cameras
If you can afford it, installing security cameras can boost your home’s protection.
About 60 percent of burglars will reevaluate their attempt if they notice a home has security cameras installed, and over 40 percent of them will decide not to invade and instead find a softer target elsewhere.
Ensure the cameras are installed in high-risk areas such as the front and back doors, garage, and other entry points.
5. Manage your social media
Things you post on social media can jeopardize your home’s safety. Burglars are typical humans who also use social media.
Avoid posting photos of yourself with your address plaque visible. Do not share your home address in the public comment section and be cautious of the platforms you share your IDs with.
Also, do not post anything that might inform burglars that you will not be at home.
6. Put up security stickers and yard sign
It is okay to boast about your home’s security but do not reveal too many details about how it works.
Signs announcing that the home is under 24/7 CCTV camera surveillance could deter burglars from invading it. However, sharing information such as the brand of the security camera can give criminals an inkling about how to hack it and render the security useless.
7. Do not hide keys in conspicuous places
While there is nothing wrong with keeping your keys in certain spots around the home, efficiently concealing them is vital.
Do not keep it at spots where people can easily guess, such as under doormats. You can put the key in a paper or aluminum foil placed in a small container and then bury it in a discreet location.
8. Keep your home well-lit
Intruders, for obvious reasons, do not like being in the spotlight. To prevent them from approaching your home, ensure your home is well-lit.
Place lights around your front and back yards, pathways, garages, and other outdoor structures.
This will also make it easier for you to spot any intruder from afar before they have a chance to gain entry into your home.
9. Properly dispose of your waste
Your trash can give potential burglars clues about what valuables are inside your home.
For instance, placing cartons of a new smart TV model on the curb can inform them you recently acquired one. Likewise disposing of boxes of expensive jewelry.
When disposing of such trash, break down the boxes or fold them so that the brand and product names are not conspicuous.
10. Password protect your WiFi networks
This is very important especially if you control your home appliances via WiFi. An unprotected WiFi network is easy to hack and can be used to gain control access to connected gadgets such as cameras and alarm systems.
To avoid this, use a strong password and whenever you have a guest, only connect them to a guest network instead of allowing them to connect with the primary WiFi network.
It is important to ensure your home’s security as it can protect you and your family from potential harm that can be incurred by a fleeing burglar and also prevent the loss of valuables.
Get to know your neighbors and always watch out for each other’s home. Do not delay in reporting suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
The fact that it is not your home that was attacked today does not mean you might not be a victim tomorrow.
Be proactive by implementing the necessary security tips and remain vigilant.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
