This is a collaborative post
Home security has come a long way in the past few years. With more alarm systems, cameras, and technology than ever before, it’s easier than ever to feel safe in your home. However, despite all of these improvements, there are still a lot of risks facing homeowners today.
If you want to make your home safer, you’ll need to be proactive. While it’s not easy to admit that your neighbourhood might not be as safe as you think, the rate of robbery is actually on the rise. While property crimes might be down in some places, you should always be careful. Here are 6 ways to make your home safer in 2019 and beyond.
1. Install a Security System
First, you should install a security system in your home. This is the first line of defence against intruders. The good news is that installing an alarm system is much easier now than it’s been in the past. While alarm systems might have been complex before, they’re simple to install now even on your own.
A security system is the only way to monitor your home even when you’re not home. You can keep track of your home’s status through your smartphone, never missing an alert. It’s worth the peace of mind.
2. Check Your Doors
While we like to think burglars get into our homes by being sneaky, most actually just use the front door. Even if you’re vigilant about locking your door, this might not be enough. Check all of your doors and your locks. Is the material strong enough to withstand someone trying to break into them?
In addition, are your locks secure? You might need to update any weak, outdated locks in favor of new ones that are much stronger. These small changes will go a long way.
3. Remember the Garage
Your garage is always a weak spot for criminals. Check your garage door to make sure it’s secure from the inside. Always lock the door from your home to your garage and ensure it’s locked at all times.
Last but not least, make sure you’re not compromising your privacy with your garage. Many garages have windows or doors that could allow criminals to peak inside. Covering these windows will afford you much more privacy.
4. Keep Plans Private
How often do you post your plans on social media? While it might be fun to post about your upcoming vacation on social media, you might be advertising this to criminals. It’s been proven that criminals have used social media to find empty homes.
Social media can be a great tool, but you’ll need to use it carefully. Avoid posting about trips or times your home might be empty. You can always post those pictures once you return home safely. In addition, beware of your privacy settings.
5. Know Your Neighbours
Another safety tip is to simply know your neighbours. These neighbours can be vigilant about your property while you’re away and vice versa. Too many people don’t know their neighbours anymore, and this can make it easier for criminals to target your neighbourhood. If you haven’t introduced yourself to your neighbours, now’s the time to do so.
6. Check Your Visibility
How well can you see outside your home, especially at night? If you let your hedges and plants grow too large, you might lose essential visibility. Thieves usually hide before they break in, so you want to make your property as visible as possible.
Start by maintaining your yard. A yard that’s well maintained will be much harder to approach than a home with overgrown bushes. Another important step is to install some form of lighting for when the sun goes down. The goal is to make it as challenging as possible for criminals to get near your home unseen.
Final Thoughts
How safe is your home? If you haven’t given much thought to these tips above, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your home.
These are 6 ways to make your home safer in 2019. No matter how safe you think your area is, you never know. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
