As a homeowner, you know keeping your home safe is essential. This is particularly vital because as the crime rate in America continues to rise, homes are becoming increasingly vulnerable to break-ins and home invasions. According to the FBI, there were an estimated 2.2 million home burglaries in the United States in 2016, a 7% increase from the previous year. And it is only expected to rise. So, how can you protect your home and keep your family safe? Here are seven helpful ways:
Get a home security system
A home security system is a great way to improve home safety and security. Many different plans are available, so choosing one that best fits your needs and budget is important. A good home security system will have motion sensors, door and window sensors, and a siren. Some systems also come with cameras, which can help identify intruders. Another great way to improve home safety is to get a security system that has remote access. This means you can arm and disarm the system from anywhere in the world, which is perfect for when you’re away on vacation or business trips.
Maintain your garage door
Many intruders use the garage door to gain entry into the home. So, it’s essential to regularly check and maintain your garage door. This includes ensuring the door is balanced correctly and lubricated and checking the opener’s photoelectric eyes to ensure they are aligned perfectly. You should never leave your garage door open when you’re not home.
Furthermore, you may also need to get a new garage door opener. Older models of garage door openers tend to be less secure since they can be easily “hacked.” Newer models come with rolling codes, which change the code every time the opener is used, making it much more difficult for someone to break in.
Have good lighting around your home
Good lighting around your home is one of the best ways to improve safety. Not only does it help you see what’s going on around you, but it also makes your home more visible to others. There are a few things to remember when choosing lighting for your home. First, ensure the lights are bright enough to provide adequate illumination. Second, choose lights that are durable and weather-resistant. Finally, install the lights in strategic locations around your home. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your home is well-lit and safe.
Install a peephole
Peepholes allow you to see who is outside your door without opening it, which can help deter burglars and other potential intruders. Additionally, peepholes can help you identify visitors and deliveries, so you can avoid opening your door to strangers. Peepholes are relatively easy and inexpensive to install, so there’s no excuse not to have one. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve home safety, installing a peephole is an excellent option.
Keep your windows locked.
Keeping your doors locked is a given, but did you know that windows are just as vulnerable? Thieves can often enter homes through unlocked windows, so it’s essential to ensure all of your windows are locked when you’re not home. You can also improve your home security by installing window alarms. These alarms will sound if any window is opened, alerting you (and your neighbors) to a potential intruder. You can help deter burglars and keep your home safe with some simple steps.
Invest in a security camera
Security cameras provide an extra set of eyes to help keep an eye on your property and can deter burglars and other intruders. They can also help investigate suspicious activities or incidents. When choosing a security camera, there are a few things to remember. First, decide what type of camera you want. There are indoor and outdoor cameras and wired and wireless options. You’ll also want to consider resolution and storage capacity. Higher resolutions will provide more precise images but will require more storage space. Finally, make sure to choose a camera that’s compatible with your home’s existing security system.
Trim your bushes regularly
As any homeowner knows, keeping your yard looking nice is integral to maintaining your property value. But did you know that trimming your bushes can also improve home safety? Overgrown bushes can provide hiding places for criminals, and they can also block important security features like motion-sensor lights. By trimming your bushes regularly, you can help to deter crime and make your home more secure. In addition, well-groomed bushes can also help to improve the appearance of your yard and make it more inviting. So trimming your bushes is not only good for security, but it’s also good for curb appeal.
The bottom line
When it comes to safety, it’s important to take a proactive approach. Spending a few extra dollars is worth it if it means keeping your family safe. By following these tips, you can help improve the safety of your home and deter burglars and other potential intruders.
