One of the first things you must do when moving into a new place is ensuring its security. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following pointers to keep your home and family safe all year long.
Secure doors and windows
One of the simplest ways to protect your home from burglary is to secure your doors. Burglars can easily kick in and destroy a hollow door compared to a solid-core door made of wood or metal. Equip all of your exterior doors with protected hinges, sturdy frames and deadbolts for additional security.
Installing a peephole is an effective way to enhance your front door security. It enables you to see unexpected visitors and is a safer alternative to glass windows or smaller openings.
Additionally, secure sliding doors with a safety bar to the interior floor track. A floor bolt or a foot lock can also give you peace of mind.
Protect windows
Windows are another easy entry point for burglars. Make a habit of locking windows before going to bed or leaving the house. Unfortunately, most window latches are weak and ineffective against break-ins. Instead, use window pin locks to let air in while still keeping windows secure.
Some high-end sensors are designed to alert owners when a window breaks. Using curtains or blinds over basement and garage windows is another popular way to keep unwanted eyes from seeing your valuables.
You can also position thorny or prickly bushes beneath first-story windows to prevent burglars from climbing over. You can also protect your windows with special security film, a polyester film designed to hold glass together.
Keep your yard neat and bright
Tall shrubs and dense trees may add curb appeal to your home, but they also serve as potential hiding places for intruders. Trim down trees and choose smaller bushes and plants instead. Remove trees near windows and keep those windows secure with stronger locks and latches.
Poor lighting can benefit potential robbers. By lighting up your place, you give the impression that someone’s home.
Set up bright and ample lighting in the front of your garage, backyard, front yard, and walkways. Install motion-activated flood-lights from your gate to your front porch. If you’re planning to be away for a few days, automated lights with infrared motion sensors could be particularly useful. These lights can easily be programmed to turn on and off according to schedule. If you’re worried about your energy bills, choose solar-powered lights for a greener option.
It’s also a good idea to request additional street lights from your neighborhood association as it can benefit the entire community.
Build a fence
A fence is one of the most reliable ways to keep you and your family safe from intruders or abductions. Apart from trespassers, fences can prevent wild animals from entering your property and causing harm.
When it comes to fences, the taller the better. A good security fence is at least 6 to 8 feet tall. However, there may be height restrictions based on state ordinances or community regulations. If the fence is too tall, you might be forced to uninstall it or make changes. Always consult with your municipality before starting any work.
Additionally, an effective fence would not have footholds where a burglar can use to boost themselves while climbing over. Keep few horizontal rails at a minimum and if possible, put spikes and spear tops along the top.
There are various types of fences depending on your budget and the level of security you need. Chain link fences offer an inexpensive, low-maintenance option. They might not give much privacy, but they’re harder to climb than other solid fences. Chain link fencing, however, can be cut with the right tools.
An aluminum fence is a great choice if you’re aiming for high security. They’re impossible to cut through and are harder to climb especially if they feature spear pickets.
Regardless of the size of your property, marking where your land begins and ends is the first step to preventing trespassing. Building a fence helps establish boundaries, while preventing land disputes between you and your neighbors.
Upgrade your security system
Equip your entire house with CCTV, intruder alarm systems, and security lighting. Smoke and gas detectors should be installed in every room and programmed to automatically alert you and the local fire department in case of emergencies. In addition, doors and windows should be equipped with motion and pressure sensors.
All these devices should be wirelessly connected to a central control hub such as your personal laptop for easy access.
Home ownership is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life. This is why you must do everything you can to protect your property. After all, taking preventive measures can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.
