10 Easy Home Security Tips You Should Know

Always remember that the best home security involves multiple layers of protection.

Install a Home Security System

Invest in a home security system with features such as alarms, security cameras, and motion detectors. It can be a professionally monitored system or a DIY system. Having a home security system, especially one with visible components such as outdoor cameras or alarm signs, can act as a significant deterrent for potential burglars.

These systems can range from simple setups with door and window sensors and a loud siren, to more comprehensive systems with motion detectors, security cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and even professional monitoring services. Smart home security systems even allow you to control and monitor your system remotely through your smartphone, receive alerts, and in some cases, have two-way conversations through installed cameras.

Remember, a security system doesn’t guarantee that your home won’t be targeted, but it can significantly increase the chances of scaring off a would-be burglar, or catching them in the act if they do decide to break in.

Secure Doors and Windows

Regularly inspect your doors and windows for weak points. Reinforce doors with deadbolts and smart locks, and secure windows with window security film or window locks. Many burglars enter homes through doors or windows that have been left open or are not secured properly. Here are a few tips to reinforce them:

Doors:

1. Reinforce door material: Make sure your exterior doors are solid and made of metal or solid wood, as they provide more security than hollow core doors.
2. Install deadbolt locks: Deadbolt locks are a great way to add an extra layer of security to your doors.
3. Secure sliding glass doors: These are often less secure than regular doors. You can enhance their security by adding a bar or rod in the track to prevent the door from being forced open.
4. Install a peephole or door viewer: This allows you to see who is outside without opening the door.

Windows:

1. Add window locks: These can help prevent your windows from being easily opened.
2. Reinforce glass with security film: Security film makes the glass harder to break, slowing down a potential intruder.
3. Install window or glass break sensors: These can be added to a home security system and will trigger an alarm if the glass is broken.
4. Use window bars: While not always aesthetically pleasing, window bars can provide an extra level of security.

Ensuring your doors and windows are secure is a key step in preventing unwanted access to your home.

Use Timed Lighting

If you’re away, use timers to turn your lights on and off to create the illusion that someone is home. Smart lighting systems can be controlled remotely. When you’re not at home, especially for an extended period, having lights on can create the impression that someone is home, potentially deterring burglars.

Here are some ways you can use timed lighting for home security:

1. Randomize Lights: Using a timer that randomly turns lights on and off can give the impression that someone is moving around inside the house.
2. Use Smart Bulbs: Smart bulbs connected to your Wi-Fi network can be controlled remotely with an app. You can turn lights on and off, dim them, or even change the color of the light.
3. Automate Lights: Many smart home systems allow you to set up automated schedules for your lights. For example, you might set your lights to turn on when your security cameras detect motion or when the sun sets.
4. External Timed Lights: Don’t forget about outdoor lights. Having your porch light or driveway lights on a timer can also deter would-be burglars.

Remember, the goal is to create the illusion of activity in your home. Lights turning on and off can suggest that someone is moving around inside, even if you’re not there.

Install Home Security Cameras

Visible home security cameras can be a significant deterrent for burglars. They can be part of a comprehensive home security system or used as standalone devices. Security cameras can serve a dual purpose: they can deter potential intruders, and in case a break-in does occur, they can provide valuable evidence. Here are a few considerations for installing security cameras:

1. Visibility: Make sure your cameras are visible. The sight of a security camera can deter potential burglars.
2. Placement: Install cameras at key points around your home, such as the front and back doors, ground floor windows, garage, and backyard.
3. Quality: Opt for high-resolution cameras so that you can clearly see details. Night vision is also important for monitoring your home in the dark.
4. Connectivity: Many modern security cameras can connect to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to view live footage from your phone or computer, no matter where you are. Some even offer two-way communication.
5. Recording: Make sure your camera system either has sufficient local storage or a cloud storage plan for recording footage.
6. Motion Detection: Many cameras feature motion detection and can send you alerts when movement is detected.

Remember to regularly check and maintain your cameras to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Having a non-functioning camera can create a false sense of security.

Lock Your Wi-Fi Network

Your home wireless network can be a gateway for hackers to your personal and financial information. Make sure it’s encrypted, hidden, and secure. Many home security systems and smart home devices connect to the internet via your home’s Wi-Fi. If a malicious individual were to gain access to your Wi-Fi network, they could potentially disable your security systems, access sensitive information, or take control of your smart home devices. Here’s how you can lock down your Wi-Fi network:

1. Strong, Unique Password: Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network. It should be a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Change Default Login Details: The router you got from your internet service provider likely came with a default username and password. These can often be easily guessed or found online, so it’s important to change them to something unique.
3. Enable Network Encryption: Make sure your Wi-Fi network is set to use WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure option. If your router doesn’t support WPA3, WPA2 is the next best thing.
4. Regularly Update Your Router’s Firmware: This ensures that your router has the latest security updates and bug fixes.
5. Set Up a Guest Network: If you have visitors who need to use your internet, don’t give them the password to your main network. Instead, set up a guest network that they can use.
6. Disable Remote Management: Most routers offer a setting that allows you to access its interface from anywhere. This is a potential security risk and should be disabled unless absolutely necessary.

By securing your Wi-Fi network, you’re adding an additional layer of protection to your home’s security measures.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

If you’re going on vacation, don’t advertise it on social media. Arrange for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up and indicate you’re away. Disclosing your absence, especially on public platforms like social media, can make your home an attractive target for burglars. It’s essentially announcing that your home is unoccupied and more vulnerable to a break-in. Here are some reasons why not disclosing your absence is beneficial:

1. Decreased Risk: The less people know about your home being empty, the less likely it is to be targeted.
2. Prevents Planned Break-ins: Disclosing your absence, especially with specific dates and times, can give potential burglars the opportunity to plan a break-in.
3. Prevents Exploitation: Some criminals may specifically monitor social media to look for such opportunities. They may not be people you know personally, but they can still find this information if your posts are public.
4. Reduces Opportunity for Casual Break-ins: Sometimes burglaries are committed by casual or opportunistic thieves who take advantage when they notice you are away.

Here are some alternatives to publicly announcing your absence:

1. Tell a Trusted Neighbor: Instead of announcing it to the world, tell a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away so they can keep an eye on your property.
2. Use Professional Monitoring: If you have a home security system with professional monitoring, inform the company that you will be away.
3. Hold or Redirect Mail: Instead of letting mail pile up (a clear sign that no one’s home), have the postal service hold your mail, or ask a neighbor to collect it.
4. Share After the Fact: Instead of posting about your vacation in real-time on social media, consider sharing your pictures and experiences after you’ve returned home.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to home security.

Use Motion Sensor Lighting

Install these lights in areas like walkways, near the garage, or backyard. They can startle and deter potential intruders. When the lights suddenly turn on, it can startle potential intruders and make them think twice about proceeding. It also increases visibility, making it harder for someone to approach your home unnoticed. Here’s how you can use motion sensor lighting effectively:

1. Placement: Install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly at entrances and dark corners where someone might hide. Don’t forget about the sides and back of your home.
2. Height: Place the lights high enough so that it’s not easy for someone to simply reach up and unscrew the bulb or tamper with the light.
3. Range and Direction: Check the sensor range and direction. You want to cover as much ground as possible, without having the light triggered by small animals or passing cars.
4. LED Lights: Consider using LED lights for their long lifespan and energy efficiency.
5. Solar-powered Lights: If wiring is a concern, solar-powered outdoor lights with built-in motion sensors can be a good solution.
6. Integration with other devices: Some smart motion sensor lights can send a notification to your phone when they’re triggered or can be integrated with your security camera system to start recording when the lights come on.

Remember, while motion sensor lighting can help deter potential intruders, it’s most effective as part of a layered security approach that includes other measures, such as secure locks, alarms, and security cameras.

Trim Landscaping

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they can’t be used as hiding places by burglars. Maintaining and trimming your landscape can play an essential role in your home’s security. Here’s how:

1. Visibility: Large and overgrown plants can block the view of your house from the street, making it easier for burglars to hide and break in without being seen by neighbors or passersby. Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed ensures your home is visible.
2. Access to Windows and Entrances: Tall trees near your home can provide access to second-story windows, and dense shrubs near windows can provide cover for someone trying to break in. Trim back any plants that could provide easy access to your home.
3. Limit Hiding Spots: Keep landscaping near doors and walkways to a minimum to limit potential hiding spots.
4. Use Thorny Plants: Plant thorny bushes beneath ground floor windows. They can make it unpleasant for someone trying to gain access to your windows.
5. Maintenance Shows Activity: Regular yard maintenance also shows that your home is occupied and looked after, which can deter potential burglars.
6. Lighting: Trimmed trees and bushes allow for better illumination of your property, reducing dark areas where intruders could hide.

Remember, while it’s important to consider security in your landscaping, it’s just one part of a comprehensive home security plan.

Create the Illusion of Activity

Leave a TV or radio on at moderate volume while you’re away to suggest that someone is home. The idea is to make it look like someone is home even when you’re not, as most burglars prefer to target unoccupied homes. Here are some strategies:

1. Lighting: As discussed earlier, you can use timed or smart lights to turn on and off at different times, making it seem as though someone is moving around inside the house.
2. TV or Radio: You can also use timers to turn a TV or radio on and off. The noise can suggest that someone is home.
3. Vary Routines: If you’re away for an extended period, ask a neighbor or hire a service to vary the blinds’ positions, move the cars in the driveway, or perform other varied activities.
4. Keep Your Yard Maintained: An overgrown lawn or snow-covered driveway can be a clear sign that nobody’s home. If you’re going to be gone, arrange for someone to keep up with yard work.
5. Collect Mail and Packages: Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and packages, or hold your mail service if you’re away. An overflowing mailbox or packages at the door signal that no one is home.

By creating the illusion that your home is occupied, you can make your home a less attractive target for burglars.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Neighbors can be a great resource for watching your house when you’re away. Neighbors can play an essential role in home security in several ways:

1. Keeping an Eye Out: If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, they can be extra sets of eyes watching out for unusual activity around your home, especially when you’re away.
2. Collecting Mail or Packages: Neighbors can help collect your mail or packages while you’re gone, preventing an overflow that signals your absence.
3. Maintaining Your Home’s Exterior: If you’re away for an extended period, neighbors might help by mowing your lawn, shoveling snow, or doing other things to make your home appear occupied.
4. Reporting Suspicious Activity: If they see anything suspicious, they can quickly contact you or the local authorities.
5. Home Access in Emergencies: A trusted neighbor can have a spare key to your house in case of emergencies.
6. Participating in Neighborhood Watch: Neighborhood watch programs foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for security. Neighbors look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police.

Remember, being a good neighbor is a two-way street. Offer to do the same for your neighbors when they’re away, and always express your appreciation for their help. It’s all part of building a safe and friendly community.