Doing all the maintenance work for your home can be a challenging task, but it is your responsibility to prolong the life of your house. There are many things to consider to perform these duties, such as water leaks, electrical components working, HVAC system, and more.
You wouldn’t want to waste your money on unforeseen repair works, but you also need to consider your family’s safety from burglars and secure all your belongings whether you are still in the house or you have to go somewhere else. Here are some simple steps that you can take to secure your home from theft.
1. Lock the Doors
Statistics show that 34% of burglary are thieves walking in through the front door of a house. Check all your exterior doors if they have strong frames, hinges are working, and no deterioration can grant access to making holes.
It would also be best to change all the door locks if you are moving into a new home. Having new keys for your doors will prevent any strangers who once had access from entering. You may also want to consider installing a deadbolt, add a strike plate, use a video doorbell, or change locks to smart locks.
2. Secure the Windows
Another part of your house’s openings would be your windows, which are also easy access for burglars. The standard latches on your windows will not guarantee that your house will be burglar-proof. Instead, you may want to upgrade your glass with window security film, fabricate window bars, and install glass break sensors. You may also plant prickly bushes under windows on your ground floor and trim them regularly.
3. Well-Lit Surroundings
Burglars often break into homes when it’s dark. To prevent this from happening, install lights on all perimeters of your house. Make sure that your surroundings are well-lit and consider installing motion-activated lights, outdoor lights with timer, and use solar-powered lights to save energy.
4. Garage Security
Your garage is among the popular access points for criminals. These culprits will enjoy all the treats you have in your garage if they cannot go into your house. Make sure that you have a security code for opening and closing your garage door.
5. Install a Security System
Installing a security system for your house will be one of your defenses for unwanted burglary. You may use a simple DIY system or a more complicated but sharp security system installed by professional contractors. There are many home security options available in the market that come in different levels of protection. You may also need to inform your local police department and have a home security evaluation for your house.
6. Wi-Fi Lock Down
If you are using intelligent home automation for your home, you will need your wireless network to register your personal information. Your home automation will also connect to your gadgets and security system, but it can give criminals easy and direct access to your house. To prevent criminals from accessing your home automation, you need to secure your wireless router, toggle WPA, use a firewall, change your home network name, install anti-malware protection and antivirus, and produce strong passwords.
7. Get Rid of Hiding Places
If you have trees and shrubs on your landscape, you must trim down excess shade to eliminate cover for the criminals. Trees near your windows are also dangerous because burglars can use them as their bridge to access your home. You may either trim down the branches or remove the entire tree if you do not need it. Also, add more security to your house’s exterior by putting away your ladders and stools, avoiding expensive goods on display, lock your gates at all times, and add security stickers and signs.
Keep it Safe
You must be familiar with the community that you live in. You may do your research about your neighborhood. Curious about the Googong area in New South Wales? Ask around or read about the neighborhood. Then, make a plan so that you and your family would know what to do if something terrible happens. Your number one priority is to keep everyone safe from harm.