14 Tips to Make Your Home More Secure

Amplifying residential security does not necessarily have to be a big-budget project. Feeling secure at all times in your personal space thus is a sensitive subject. But, before you go all out shelling big bucks in installing an expensive security system, take a good calculating look all around your home. A few simple low or no cost measures will successfully dissuade a would-be thief from targeting your home.

As security of your home is the most important aspect, choose a weekend and go over these 14 tips to take your home safety up a notch.

1.     Conduct a Household meeting

Adopt home security as a habit with every member of the household and incorporating a routine that includes following of simple rules like:

·         Using the locks of doors and windows as it costs absolutely nothing and takes little energy. Make it a habit to bolt every door and window before leaving and even before bedtime.

·         Refrain from opening door to uninvited or unwelcome visitors.

·         Shut and lock the garage doors.

·         Close the doors even if you are doing work around the house and yard.

2.        Call on the Police

Many police departments are known to provide complimentary home inspections. An officer comes over and walks through your home and suggests simple and cost-efficient changes to tighten safety measures.

3.        Organise Mock Burglary

This is a fun way to measure how effective your security measures are with a trusted neighbour or friend. Allow them to walk through your house and find as many valuables as possible. Ask them if they can see through the curtains into the home. A mock burglary can give you a great insight into the areas that can do with a bit of tightening of security.

As an additional measure, you can purchase a small safe that fastens to the floor. Rent an off-premise safe deposit box or stow away jewellery, cash and other valuables in unconventional places. You can return the favour to your neighbour or friend by conducting a mock burglary at their place.

4.        Get Rid Of The ‘Hidden’ House Key

Get rid of the key that you have been hiding under the mat or beneath a pot right outside the entrance. Problem is burglars know all your ‘secret’ hiding places so it is better to give your house keys to a trusted neighbour instead.

5.        Stow Away Keys and Garage-Door Remotes in a Smart Spot

Make sure that you don’t leave car and house keys and remotes in close vicinity to the door or else any place that is easily visible inside your house. Secure them inside a cabinet or a drawer so that they are sufficiently hidden.

6.        Attach Foreboding Signs

As an added security measure, put up stickers from security companies near all entryways and windows, irrespective of whether you have a security system or not. You might probably have signs or stickers from a previous contract with a security firm, or maybe you can borrow some from a friend. Moreover, put up a few “Beware of Dog” signs in conspicuous spots; say at the front door of the house or the gate in the backyard.

7.        Lock Up the Ladder

Refrain from storing a ladder outside your home. A burglar under the pretence of being a handyman or contractor could use it to gain access to a window on the second floor or the balcony.

8.        Install Sufficient Lights in the Outdoor Area

If you do not have sufficient lightings surrounding the immediate area outside your house, buy and install outdoor lighting equipped with infrared motion sensors at the earliest. Install these lightings near each point of entry. In case of any burned-out light bulbs, replace them as soon as possible and also put your porch lights on timers. Find the best bulbs for outdoor purposes.

9.        Install Timers

When you leave your house for work or for appointments or to go on a holiday, you can create a ‘someone’s at home’ look by using timers on lights and TVs. It comes as no surprise at all that there are several gadgets available to help you pull this off. For instance, getting a fake TV simulates the flickering lights of a television. So, anyone looking in from outside will feel as if someone is home watching TV.

10.     Secure Air Conditioning Units

Window air conditioners that are left unsecured could provide the means to break-in easily for a robber. Use an air conditioner bracket or sliding window locks. You can even make use of corner braces.

11.     Eliminate Hiding Spots

If the shrubbery surrounding your home is too tall, or not well spaced – you are basically inviting burglars, as their perfect hiding spot is ready behind all the bushes. To avoid potential burglaries make sure that you are regularly trimming and pruning the plantations in and around your place of residence.

12.     Check Windows

Check to see if the locks on the windows are operable or not. If not then get them fixed at the earliest. Also, take into consideration installing aftermarket window locks which allow you to open the window a few inches while still keeping it secure. Another option is to use a reasonable window-break alarm.

13.     Assess the doors

Carry out careful inspection by meticulously checking the front, side and the back of your doors. Be sure to replace hollow, easy-to-breach and low quality doors with sturdy and robust composite doors which you can find here: http://www.donvalleywindows.co.uk/  . Electric garage doors are uncommon entry points so long as they are closed. Homeowners have to treat all the doors like the front door and keep them secured at all times.

14.     Replace weak locks

The weakest point on a door is the lock. Ensure that you have a dead-bolt that penetrates the door frames. The strike plate, which is the stationary piece that the bolt enters, must be solid and made from metal or brass.

Incorporate these tips and make your home a safe haven in true sense!