Tips To Improve Your Home’s Safety and Security

Your home should be where you feel the most comfortable and safe. You can never have too many safety or security precautions in place, and here are a few of the best to consider.

Secure All Doors and Windows

The doors are the most common entry point for break-ins. A bolted front and back door can help deter criminals. Make sure you secure the sliding patio door too. Place a metal or wooden rod in the door track to stop criminals from easily sliding open the door. Windows are one of the most commonly overlooked areas of security needs. All windows should be locked, even when at home. Installing shatter sensors can alert you if one of your home’s windows is broken too.

If you recently purchased your home or moved in, make sure you change the locks as soon as possible. You never know how many keys are out there. Smart locks on all your doors allow you to control your home’s doors and windows when away from home.

Invest in a Home Security System

A home security system is a must in today’s times. You have many options for choosing the best home security system, and many of them have built-in tools that allow you to drop in via remote cameras. Arming your security system on a regular schedule is also important. Many homeowners invest in a security system and then fail to get into the habit of regularly setting it. All it takes is one time of forgetting or intentionally not setting it for a break-in to occur. Even better, many insurance companies offer discounts for installing a home security system if you need another incentive.

Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting

Exterior lighting is also important to home security. Criminals are less likely to target a well-lit home because it increases the chances of neighbors watching them. An abundance of exterior lights can also make it safer for you or other family members who may leave or come home late at night. Consider motion-activated lights to prevent lights from shining in your neighbor’s windows late at night. You can also install smart or scheduled lights on a timer to adjust your home’s lighting when away from home for longer periods. Hanging lights in the garden or strung along the fence greatly deter criminals.

Fire-Proof Your Home

A safe home is also designed using fire-resistant materials. The roofing and siding materials you choose can be important for fire-proofing your home. Fiber cement and metal are a few of the best siding materials to reduce your fire risk. Brick and stone are also good options to consider. A Chicago siding contractor can help you decide which material is best and safest for your home.

Choose Home Automation

A home automation system improves energy savings and can make your home safer. Installing a home automation system allows you to access cameras while away from home. You can also use your system to adjust your thermostat or lighting on a previously-set schedule automatically. Some home automation systems even have sensors that can detect when you leave and come home, ensuring you lock all doors and windows regularly. You can also easily control your system using your smartphone to lock or unlock the doors when away from home remotely.

Install a Tall Fence

A fence can also help deter criminals. Fences prevent others from looking into your windows, which means they can’t predict when you’re home and away. Criminals are also less likely to break into a home with a fence because getting in and out of the yard is harder. Taller fences make it even more difficult for criminals, especially since there isn’t an easy or fast exit point.

Take Extra Care When Away From Home

Many security experts recommend waiting to post about your travels on social media until you’re already home. Notifying social media of your plans to be away from home gives criminals information they can use to target your home. When away, ask a trusted neighbor to bring in your mail, which can also signify that no one has been home in a while. Vacant homes are often a target of theft since criminals know they have more time to break in, take what they want, and leave undetected.

Extra safety protocols and precautions can help you and your family feel safer. Whether it’s installing a home security system or fire-resistant materials, these strategies can help improve the safety and security of your home.