Homeowners concerned with safety can secure their home with these quick and easy home security hacks. Preparation and vigilance can go a long way toward both protecting yourself from emergencies and property loss, as well as to be more prepared for when and if a disaster strikes.
The Layers Of Security
There are three layers of home security to consider. To maximize protection, fully address each of the categories: deter, delay, and defend.
1. Deter
The first step is to convince potential intruders that your home is not the best target. Humans make their decisions based on risk versus reward in most cases. This means the higher the potential reward, the more risks they’re willing to take. Deter intruders by making it seem like there’s little or nothing within your home worth stealing. One fantastic example of deterrence is condensing TV boxes and concealing them inside the recycle bin instead of sitting them out on the curb for all to see.
2. Delay
This second step maximizes time allowed to react to a home threat. The sooner you’re aware of the intruder, the sooner you can resolve the situation. Alarms and cameras are popular delay methods because they alert you to invasion as quickly as possible.
3. Defend
The third layer is the last resort, as it means your other layers have failed or been compromised. Home defense involves physical action against the intruder. Weapons like firearms, pepper spray, and stun guns are examples of defense mechanisms for the home.
Not-So-Obvious Home Hacks Anyone Can Try
The first home safety hack involves preparing for the worst: a home burglary and the loss of possessions. Considering what you would do if you were hit with the realization that your house has been burglarized can spur ideas of how to lessen the impact if/when it actually happens. Make preparations for a home break-in.
5. Make A List Of Valuable Property
Making a list of all of your valuable property within the home is a very helpful. When a burglary takes place, it may be difficult to remember what was in your home, where it was located, and its approximate value. You will need to provide this information for insurance purposes, so it is helpful to have this list in advance.
6. Be Knowledgeable About Your Homeowners Insurance Or Renters’ Insurance Policy
Know the ins and outs of your insurance policy, what is covered under your particular policy and what is not. Knowing the limits of your policy can help you to better plan out what is kept in your home, and what may need additional protection. Remember, that burglaries aren’t the only way you may lose your items; possessions can be lost in house fires, flooding, and even infestations — such as bed bugs or termites.
7. Door Additions: Longer Door Screws
The most common point of entry for burglars is the doors. Front or back, they can be a safety risk because they’re relatively easy to destroy, plus they’re large enough to carry out items like televisions. This makes the risk-to-reward ratio much more appealing for potential burglars.
Doors fail at the hinges in most cases. The force applied to the wood is usually enough to rip the standard screws out of the frame and free the door. This is because they’re usually only half an inch long. If you upgrade the screws, however, it can exponentially increase the strength.
A Texas Realtor, Mariana Harrison, recommends exchanging the standard small screws with extra-sturdy 4-inch replacement ones. It takes only a few dollars and minutes of your time to make this potentially lifesaving change.
8. Replacement Door Jambs
Here is another handy tip for a kick-resistant door, and it works fabulously with longer door screws. These reinforcement plates keep the doorjamb from splitting. In most cases, the jamb will shatter if the screws do not rip out. Adding the metal completely prevents this from happening and potentially saves you substantial money because you don’t have to buy fancy doorknobs.
9. Advanced Locks
Adding components that cannot be picked to your door give you even more security and peace of mind. Products like the SIMlock keep the deadbolt engaged, regardless of secondary keys or other tricks. This, in turn, makes the door more resistant to kicking. These guards are less than $10, making them a cost-effective addition.
10. Randomized Light Timers
Automatic light timers are a fantastic way to fool strangers into thinking you’re home. Simply plug in your lamps, choose the setting, and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, these standard timers can only accept one time. This means your home will light up at the same time each day – which could be too obvious to seasoned intruders and leave your property at risk. This is especially a concern during the holidays or summertime, when many people are taking extended vacations.
The solution is to mix up the schedule. One such product is the WeMo Light Switch. It connects to your phone so you can adjust the lights anytime, anywhere. As a result, the light pattern will look much more believable. These are also much more adaptable than plug-in programmers because they can be wired into overhead and porch lights for a more authentic variety.
As a bonus, programmable light switches can make it easier to come home, particularly when your hands are full. You can flip on the lights before you arrive so you never enter a dark house again.
11. Storing Ladders
This one is something many homeowners don’t consider. A ladder left propped against the house or freely accessible makes it much easier for potential burglars to enter through your windows. Even if they don’t use the ladder to break in, they could steal the ladder. Always hide ladders securely and discreetly.
12. Smart Box Disposal
As we mentioned before, the way you dispose of boxes can attract attention from scouting criminals. Any time you make an expensive purchase, never leave the packaging whole, sitting by the road. This is essentially a flashing sign advertising what’s inside your home. Shred boxes for televisions and game consoles and bag them up. The same goes for expensive appliances – anything that would be worth stealing.
13. Don’t Hide Keys – Go Digital
It’s terrible to be locked out of your home, but having it invaded is far worse. Never hide keys outside. Burglars usually scout for some time before making a move. If you rely on a hidden key, they very well could see you use it.
Opt for keypad panels on the door if you’re forgetful about your keys. The MiLocks Touchpad Entry allows you to use either method so you never worry about getting locked out. Plus, it runs under $60.
ABC Locksmith Can Help Your Home Become An Armored Fortress Against Vandalism, Burglaries, And Natural Disasters
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