Home security is a balancing act. You need to be safe, but you also need to leave your home accessible and comfortable enough to feel at home. Home security is an integral part of any residence, whether you live alone or with family and friends. You can do many different things to ensure the safety of those who reside in your home and their belongings and other personal information that might be stored there.
It is advisable to take cautionary measures wherever possible to avoid being a victim of robbery or theft at all costs. The below methods can help you avoid any mistakes concerning your home security.
Don't skimp on the lock installation
Installing strong locking on the doors is one of the most fundamental forms of safety precaution. You should also ensure your windows are all shut and locked, even if you live on the first floor.
Burglars can break into windows and doors easily, so you want to make sure none of them can get into your house with ease. Your front door is the most essential part of your home's security, so you should ensure it's as secure as possible. This means investing in a good, sturdy lock approved by the government for use in residential areas.
If you have an apartment, check if your building has a door-access system and use it whenever possible.
If you live in a house, you might be able to add an alarm system to your door, which will sound if someone tries to enter your home. If you can't add an alarm to your door, make sure you have a strong door with a reinforced frame. It's smart to know who's knocking at your door before you open it, so installing a peephole is necessary.
A knob-latch is a simple device that makes it more difficult for young children to open doors, and it's worth installing if you have kids.
Add in alarm sensors
Alarm sensors can increase your home security significantly. You can choose from any home sensors, including motion, infrared, and glass-break. Motion sensors can tell if someone is on your property, and infrared sensors can tell if someone's inside your home after dark.
Glass-break sensors can tell if someone's broken a window and entered your home. Most alarm sensors connect to your alarm system, which you should also install as part of your home security system.
A sound alarm system can scare off would-be burglars since they know they've been detected and need to move quickly to avoid getting caught. You can also use sensors to tell you when loved ones have arrived home safely or if there's a fire or other emergency in your home.
You can set up your home's security system to notify you of problems via phone, computer, or another device. You can also install sensors that alert you with a sound or flashing light. Additionally, sensors can be used to activate appliances and features in your home, such as lighting and door locks.
Use different passwords
You should use strong, unique passwords for each account if you have a digital footprint. The same goes for your computer; use a firewall or other security software if you're concerned about the intrusion.
If you have personal information stored on your computer or on devices like thumb drives, you need to ensure it's encrypted, so nobody can access it if they get ahold of your device. You can store this personal information on the cloud, which can be accessed from any computer, but you need to make sure the data is encrypted and your account is secure.
You should also ensure you have robust security software on your devices and computers. This software can help you avoid viruses and other malicious attacks and encrypt sensitive data on your devices. You can research different programs to find one that suits your needs.
Only allow trusted people to enter your home
If you have a stranger visiting, ensure you only let them in when you're there. Don't leave a houseguest unattended in your home, no matter how trustworthy they seem. If you have a house key or passcode for a roommate or family member, ensure they're trustworthy before giving them a key or code.
If a visitor arrives when you're not home, make sure they either leave a note on the door or call you to tell you they're there. If you have a business, you should ensure that only trusted employees and contractors enter your building.
It means installing a security system with passcodes and ensuring everyone on your team knows how to use it. It also means checking references for contractors who want to enter your building and installing security cameras where necessary.
Install a reliable camera
Installing a reliable security camera is another easy way to increase your home security. You can install cameras inside and outside your home to monitor what's happening. Some cameras even let you talk through them as if you were in the room, which is ideal for seeing who's at the front door or monitoring children playing outdoors.
You can connect these cameras to your computer or smartphone, so you can always access their feeds. You can also use a camera inside your home to monitor a room while you're away. For example, you can install a camera in your child's room to watch them while they sleep, or you can install one in your living room to ensure no one breaks in while you're away.
Lock-down during travel hours
If you regularly travel during times when most break-ins occur, you can reduce your risk by locking down your home. This means installing extra security measures in your home, like additional alarms, more robust locks, and more sensors and identity alert systems.
If you regularly travel with your kids, you may want to make arrangements for them to stay with a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor. You can also hire a babysitting service, which can provide an extra layer of protection for your kids while you're away.
Try an app for remote control
Try an app for remote control of your home security system. These apps let you control many of the same things as a remote control system. Still, they go further by providing video surveillance. Apps like these allow you to see what's going on in and around your home, and they can dramatically reduce the risk of break-ins.
Be smart about the things you keep inside
You also need to be smart about the things you keep inside your home. Keep your valuables safe, either in your home or at the bank. If you have expensive jewelry, rare collectibles, or other items that might entice a thief, you should put them in a safe. You should keep your computer and other devices with valuable information in a secure location, like a locked desk or drawer.
If you have a computer or device with sensitive information, you should use a strong password or other security measures to protect it.
Finally, you should keep your home clean and uncluttered. This helps keep the inside of your home safe while also making it less attractive to burglars. If there's less stuff inside your home, it'll be easier to keep secure. Plus, a clean house feels more welcoming and less like a place a burglar would want to break into.
Install motion-activated lights
You can increase your home security by installing motion-activated lights. These lights turn on when movement is detected, providing extra light for your home and deterring would-be burglars. You can install these lights inside or outside your home, which come in various styles and features.
Conclusion
Home security is essential, and it can not be stressed enough. However, with the tips in this post, you can avoid home security mistakes. Browse Hoe.com for more home security and smart home-related topics.
