Keeping your home safe and secure is incredibly important, whether you live in a neighborhood that is considered safe or not. No matter how low the crime rates in your area are, you should still do what you can to prevent any unwanted access to your house or apartment.
Here are seven ways to secure your home, both when you are away and on the premises.
The first thing you should consider is upgrading the entrances to your home.
Take a look at all of your windows and doors and analyze them from a burglar’s perspective. Are they easy to force? Will anyone see them if they try to break in?
If your windows are easy to jimmy open from the outside or if your door and lock are not quite the sturdiest, invest in an upgrade as soon as you can. It may be an expense, but it will also increase the value of your home.
The second point to consider is your garage door and the entrance from the garage to the house. This is often overlooked, and that negligence can make it quite easy for thieves to get inside the house. In fact, 9% of burglars enter this way.
Consider first the entrance to the home. Make sure the door is just as sturdy as your front door and that it’s locked at all times, especially at night and while you’re away. Then consider getting a better quality garage door to protect the items you store there, like your car and bike.
You can also consider upgrading or installing a better security system in your home. Depending on where you live, this can include smart locks and doorbells, a security camera, or a full-fledged burglar alarm.
Some people also place fake cameras and fake alarms in their homes to deter criminals. If you don’t have the budget for a high-end system, this can also be something to consider.
Getting a gun can also make you feel much safer in your home. However, this is not a step you should take lightly.
First, consider where you live and who you live with. If you have young kids, you first need to ensure you can place the gun somewhere they will never be able to reach it. You should also take a gun safety and handling course. Make sure you absolutely understand the basics of firearm safety and how it works.
If you choose to bring a firearm into your home, make sure you are 100% sure you know how to use it and store it completely safely.
Another great way to make your home safer is to get a dog. This will work especially well if you live in a house with a big yard where the dog can safely roam free at night or when you are not there.
You can also get a dog if you live in an apartment, but make sure you choose an appropriate breed. Also make sure to teach them not to bark at anyone who approaches the door.
Of course, a pet is a huge responsibility, so take as much time to consider getting one as you would before getting a gun. If you don’t have the time and energy, consider other safety measures.
People tend to hide a spare key in their post box, under the doormat, or inside a fake rock. While this is a great way to let yourself in if you get locked out, it’s also a great way to let anyone else in when you’re not there.
Instead of hiding the key somewhere it can be found, give it to a friend or neighbor. Even if you have to drive across town to retrieve it if you lose yours, it’s a much better safety measure, and you’ll sleep more soundly at night.
You’ll want to pay the same level of attention to door codes and other security codes. Don’t tell them to just about anyone. Even if someone is a frequent visitor, buzz them in instead of sharing the code.
Make sure not to share it with delivery men and the postman, especially if you live in an apartment building. You never know how honest and reliable they are, and you don’t want your negligence to be the cause of a burglary in your home or someone else’s. Always ask who’s at the door before letting anyone in.
Consider these seven ways to keep your home safe and make sure your loved ones and your belongings are protected at all times. While some of them will require time and money, you can start implementing others immediately.
