As the holiday season comes to an end, many people are taking down the seasonal decorations that they put up during this time of year. If you’re like most people, you left your house in a rush over Thanksgiving weekend and didn’t check the locks on all the doors in your home before heading out for vacation.
Whether or not you change your locks after the holiday is over, there are a few ways you can increase the security of your home and protect yourself and your family.
Increase the security of your home using these ways below:
1. Put in an alarm system.
This option will cost you some money upfront, but it also is one of the most effective ways to increase the security of your home. An alarm system will alert you via a connected phone line or text message when someone is attempting to break into your house while you are away. Many alarm systems include cameras that allow you to see what’s going on at home even while you’re away.
2. Consider an intrusion detection system.
This device uses motion, heat, vibration, or infrared sensors to detect when someone is attempting to enter your house through the open door. The system will typically sound an alarm when it detects any motion in or around your home, alerting you that something may be wrong.
3. Use deadbolts on all exterior doors.
This prevents people from being able to use a lock pick to get into your home. Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts, and that you never leave any door open while you’re gone.
4. Use a security door bar.
This device attaches your existing door to your door frame, creating a solid barrier that is very difficult for someone to break through without making a lot of noise and potentially waking you or your neighbors up. You can buy one at most hardware stores for less than $20.
5. Make sure all windows and doors have high-quality locks.
This is very important! You can’t just use a normal lock and expect it to stop someone from breaking into your home. Make sure you purchase locks that are designed for exterior doors, as those pose the greatest risk of being broken into. If possible you should try to use double cylinder deadbolts (one key for locking and one key to unlock).
6. Install motion-activated lighting outside.
This is another effective way to increase the security of your home, as most thieves will avoid areas that are well lit. This will make it difficult for someone to get close to your house without you knowing about it, as the lights will turn on when they enter the motion detection zone. Motion-activated lighting is not expensive and can be installed by someone who has basic DIY skills.
7. Get rid of trees that shield windows or doors from view.
If you have trees that shield your windows or doors from view, trimming them back will make it more difficult for people to conceal their actions while trying to break into your home. You can even consider cutting down the trees altogether if they are very close to the house.
8. Have a peephole installed on all exterior doors.
This way, you can see who’s at the door before you open it, and you don’t have to worry about someone unlocking your deadbolt without your knowledge.
9. Make sure your sliding glass door lock is secure.
Many thieves will attempt to gain access to a house through the back sliding glass door because they know many people don’t bother to put much effort into securing this entrance and it’s easy for the thief to break the lock. It only takes about 15 seconds to break a sliding door lock with a screwdriver, so make sure your screws are tight and you don’t leave the door open while you’re gone.
10. Make sure all keyholes are secured.
Most burglars will have to remove an interior doorknob to be able to unlock it. By securing the keyholes with a piece of tape, the thief will not be able to remove your doorknob and gain access (if they don’t have a key).
11. Put up security film on all windows.
Security film is basically thick, clear plastic that sticks to your glass window or door like double-sided sticky tape, making it difficult for the thief to break the glass. The film is usually made of polycarbonate, which can stop most types of forced entry (including kicks, jabs, and baseball bat swings) without shattering into pieces that could cut you or someone else.
12. Get a home security system.
This is the best option for preventing your home from being broken into, plus it can alert you if someone got in while you’re not there. Of course, installing a professional alarm system will cost money, but it’s definitely worth it when you consider how much money and stress it can save you. There are other cheap
13. Make your home look occupied.
The “beware of dog” sign is cliché, but it’s a good idea to have one by your front door. You don’t have to own a dog, either – just put a few chew toys in a box and attach the lid with strong tape so it doesn’t come open easily. This will make it seem too suspicious to people that someone is home and will discourage them from trying anything. You can also leave a few lights on when you’re not home, just make sure to turn them off when you go to bed.
14. Don’t advertise your vacation plans online.
If thieves know when you’ll be gone, they can plan accordingly and break into your house when you’re not home. You might think that no one knows who you are, but there is a lot of information available publicly on social media that could reveal when you’ll be away from home.
Prioritize the security of your home
Many people who are looking to buy a new home realize that the only way that they will be able to afford a home is going to require them to settle for less of what they really want. This is because the cost of real estate keeps going up and up, making it clear that many people cannot afford what used to be attainable.
One of the goals that many people have when they are looking at homes is to make sure that it provides them with everything necessary in order to keep their family safe. This means making sure that the home has a decent amount of space, while also having each room designed in a way where your family members will be able to live safely without wondering if the area is equipped to deal with potential safety hazards.
In the end, it doesn’t matter which option you choose or how much money you can afford to spend on security for your home, just take some time to think about what is most important to you before making your final decision.
Call King Locksmith & Doors
If you have any more questions about the security of your home, or you simply need some help with locksmith issues, please contact us at 240-345-9357 and we will be more than happy to assist you.
We are a local mobile locksmith service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our technicians are licensed and insured professionals with years of experience working on cars, homes, and businesses in the area.
