Your home is your refuge, your safe place away from the world. That’s why it’s so secure homeimportant that you protect that space from possible intrusion. You don’t want to feel violated by someone else who enters your home uninvited to perhaps vandalize or rob you, or even harm you and your family. To protect your property and your loved ones, here are the 12 best ways to secure your home.

12 Best Ways to Secure Your Home

  1. Lock your doors. Intruders often try to open the doors normally when approaching a home. You’d be surprised how many times they find those doors open. Make it a practice to lock all doors, whether you are at home or not. Reinforce your door locks by using a deadbolt lock and a strike plate. If you have paned windows near the deadbolt lock, install one with a double-sided key entry. Keep a spare key nearby the door, but out of reach of the windows, for emergency exits. Smart locks offer an upgrade and added options.
  2. Lock your windows. Again, intruders try the easiest methods to enter and will check to see if windows are open. Standard-grade windows locks are often flimsy and easily opened. You can upgrade to a keyed window lock or smart technology with glass break sensors.
  3. Lock your garage. Garage doors are often forgotten when checking locks around your home, but they can offer a way for intruders to enter your home unseen. Leaving your garage door open showcases items you have within your garage and can tempt thieves. Make it a habit to close and lock your garage door. Install a timer or Smart system that will close the door automatically or enable you to manage it remotely. Cover garage windows for additional security.
  4. Plant deterrents. Under windows, plant bushes that would be unpleasant to crawl through. Keep all landscaping trimmed as not to hide intruders around your homes. Keep trees that approach second-story windows well trimmed as not to allow an access point. Do not leave ladders around.
  5. Reinforce sliding glass doors. One of the easiest ways to break into a home is through the sliding glass door. Place a dowel into the track to prevent the door from being forced open, or upgrade to a door or glass break sensor.
  6. Use lighting. Intruders don’t want to be seen, and will flee from well-lit areas. Place lights around your home on every side and install security lighting with motion detectors. Solar-power lighting or timers can also help light your way.

Related: 14 ways to make your home more secure

  1. Install security cameras. Doorbell cameras such as the Ring technology have become popular. But don’t stop there. Install security cameras around the perimeter of your home and connect them to your Smart Home technology. This will allow you to monitor any activity and activate alarms if necessary.
  2. Install a security system. Security systems can be configured in a number of ways to monitor and report suspicious activity in and around your home, or allow you to program, monitor and react to situations.
  3. Put up security notices. Simple decals such as “This home is protected by…” and other security notification signage can deter intruders.
  4. Secure your Internet connections. Encrypt your Wi-Fi and install antivirus and anti-malware protective measures so that hackers can’t access it. This is especially important if you are using Smart Home technology. Use strong passwords.
  5. Create a Smart Home. Installing Smart Home technology allows you to install, monitor and operate a number of security features in and around your home. It can also alert you to any suspicious activity or notify you if you have left a window or door unlocked or open.
  6. Know your neighbors. Get to know the people who live around you and exchange contact information. They can be good “eyes and ears” for keeping the neighborhood safe.

Let Först Consulting Group Help You Secure Your Home

Först Consulting Group offers a number of homeowner services and can help recommend security measures and help you choose and vet good contractors. If you need a second opinion on a contractor’s work, we can do that too. We’re here to be your homeowners advocate.