Whether you’re thinking of moving or you’re comfortably settled in a home, keeping your property safe should be your number one priority. Whether you live by yourself or as a family, it’s important that you take precautionary measures to ensure your home is well protected. Here are some of the top home security upgrades you should have, helping to deter burglars from trying to gain access to your property.
Find a Safe Location
If you’re ready to move somewhere new, it’s always best to look for homes in safe neighborhoods. Understandably, your realtor won’t be able to provide you with this information, so it’s up to you to do the research yourself. You can have a look at the crime statistics in the area, which can give you more of an idea on whether you want to move there. There are other factors to consider too, such as the price of your home. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably because it’s not in the best of areas. It’s only natural that you will want to find a home that you feel safe in, especially if you have young children.
Get a Dog
For an added layer of protection to your home, you may want to consider getting a dog. While they may be a small expense, a dog can be very effective in deterring intruders. Even the barking of a dog is enough to scare away burglars. If you’re against the idea of having a dog for whatever reason, you could still put up a sign that indicates there is a dog in the home. No matter the size or breed of the dog, criminals won’t want the hassle of being caught.
Make Your House Look Lived In
If your work requires you to travel or you’re off on a family vacation, making your house look lived in is important. When you’re away, burglars can soon put two and two together, especially if they notice an influx of letters, parcels, and newspapers that haven’t been collected, therefore, you should ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to keep a close eye on your home. If you’re off on a fun adventure, try not to post about it on social media. While you may want to tell all your Facebook friends about your upcoming trip, you can never be too sure about who is watching your posts.
Guard the Perimeter
Laying down motion sensor lights can be another great way to frighten off any intruder. If you’re unable to put in motion sensor lights, you should at least install regular lights. The last thing a burglar wants is to feel exposed, so having a light that shines on them can alert your fellow neighbors too. You can also erect a fence which can be a good deterrent to intruders. There are lots of spaces that burglars can hide in, especially in your back yard, so trimming trees and shrubs can give them fewer options to sneak into your property.
Install a Home Security System
While a home security system can be costly, it’s definitely money well spent, especially when it comes to protecting your home. If you’re wanting to add an extra layer of security to your property, consider checking out websites like Porch who can give you helpful information on home security companies and help you find ones in your area.
Lock Your Windows and Doors
Before you go out to work or hit the hay, make sure that every window and door in your home is locked. If burglars see a window that’s ajar, they won’t be afraid to strike, so taking a couple of minutes to go around your home can make all the difference. The last thing you want is to get an unwelcome visitor in the night, so make sure to double-check. Also, make sure to not leave any valuables such as money or car keys by your windows. Burglars know what to look out for, so it’s best to keep your possessions out of sight.
Whether you work long hours at the office, or you’re constantly on the go running errands, from the moment you get in and shut the front door, you should feel comfortable and relaxed in your home. Finding a safe location, making your house look lived in, installing a home security system, and ensuring your windows and doors are locked before you go to bed are just a few measures that you can take to ensure your home is protected.
