Hello World! Now that we’re adding to our family home, security is a top priority. I started reading up on home security and came across a number of scary statistics. We’ve already started eliminating hidden dangers in our home, but the outside threats are now the key focus.
Having a dedicated home security system is always the safest route since it can be monitored, and having one is a burglar deterrent in and of itself. But there are a lot of easy ways to improve home safety without spending a fortune, including the nine home security hacks below.
Go Wireless With Your Window Security
Wires are so 20th Century. Today, the trend is to go wireless because it’s more secure and reliable. Plus, who wants to deal with a mess of wires when they don’t have to.
Windows are a spot that people often forget to protect, but they are a common entry point for burglars. New wireless sensors can be installed to detect any kind of movement, including the window being opened, glass shattering and someone trying to tamper with the sensor.
If you have a window AC unit this can pose an additional safety risk. Burglars know that if they can get the unit out they’ll have direct access to your home. Attaching a motion sensor alarm to the front of the unit will help prevent this from happening.
Keep the (Tamper-Resistant) Porch Light On
In 2012, the FBI Uniform Crime Report estimated 34% of burglars use the front doors to get inside homes. Yep, they just come right through the main entry. But, of course, they don’t want anyone to see them doing this. Simply having a light shining down brightly on the entry can keep burglars at bay.
However, some burglars will just unscrew the light to darken the doorway. Swapping out your regular light for a vandal resistant floodlight will prevent this from happening.
Invest in Curtains and Blinds
This hack is pretty straightforward and simple. Installing curtains or blinds to the windows that are visible from the street will keep strangers from knowing what’s inside. Burglars don’t usually rob just any house. They target places they know will be worth their time. The less they know about what you have inside the better.
Keep Your Garage Doors Secure
Roughly 9% of burglars enter homes through the garage. That means locking the door to the garage is a must, but you can take a few extra steps to deter burglars before they get to that point.
A motion sensor alarm at the edge of the garage door can provide protection if you forget to close it. Another surefire home security hack is installing a camera over the garage door. Whether it’s activated or not, burglars will see it and second-guess trying to get in through the garage.
Fake a Barking Dog
One thing that will make any burglar think twice is a barking dog. The only problem is you don’t have one. With a specialized motion sensor like the ED-50 Rex Plus Electronic Watchdog you don’t need an actual Fido because you can fake having a furry friend. The product will detect when someone is near the front door and blast out barking sounds.
Use a Fingerprint Padlock
If you have a new smart phone there’s a good chance it has a fingerprint feature to unlock it. Phone manufacturers realized security systems that can’t be hacked are the better option. This same technology is used in a number of new door locks that use your finger instead of a key. Not only will it be impossible for burglars to pick the lock, you also won’t have to worry about hiding an extra key.
If you’re worried about technology fails that could lock you out of your house consider at least replacing your old locks or adding an extra one. A long-throw deadbolt is much more secure than standard locks.
Keep Quiet on Social Media
It’s understandable if you’re excited about an upcoming vacation or big purchase and want to share it with your friends on social media. The problem is there are a lot of friends of friends that you barely know who could also see the message.
Police and security experts urge people to be very discreet online, because it’s a resource that is used by criminals. Never announce when you’ll be on vacation or when you’ve been on a shopping spree.
Leave the TV or Radio On
Burglars prefer to hit homes that are unattended. Sometimes all it takes is hearing noise inside for them to decide to move along somewhere else. Leaving a radio or television on may increase your electric bill slightly, but it’s the easiest hack that improves home security. There’s also a product called FakeTV that can be used to replicate the glow of a TV at night if you don’t want to leave your flat screen on for hours.
Plant Prickly Bushes Below Windows
Make it more painful for burglars to get inside by selecting the right kind of plants and strategically putting them below windows. Thorny rose bushes are an excellent option that will also look beautiful when they bloom. Pyracantha, the firethorn bush, is another plant that makes it more difficult for burglars to access windows.
I hope you find the tips helpful. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Have a lovely day/night. Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
A lot of good tips here. thanks for the info.
Great ideas! Thanks for the tips…Christine