Did you know that there are over 2.5 million home burglaries occurring every year, and 66% of these are home break-ins? While this number has been steadily decreasing over the years, it’s still essential to have a safety plan in place.
Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you should feel safe and secure, surrounded by the people you love most. But sometimes, life throws us a curveball, and we find ourselves in a dangerous situation.
That’s why it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure that everything and everyone you hold dear in your home is safe and protected. Fortunately, our guide below will cover tips to help you create a safety plan for your home:
1. Secure Your Doors
Please don’t make it easy for a burglar to stroll into your home through your entrances. All doors leading into your home should be made of solid wood or metal and have a deadbolt lock.
The entry door is the most common entry point for burglars, so it’s important to make sure it is well-protected. You should also install locks on all windows to make it more difficult for someone to break in.
Additionally, if you’re moving into a new house or apartment, be sure to change the locks on all the doors. You never know who might have a key to your new home.
2. Get a Dog
Do you love dogs? If you’re thinking about getting a furry friend, know that you’re also gaining a loyal home security system.
Dogs are known for their protectiveness and will bark at any sign of danger, whether it’s a person or an animal. They can also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, alerting you to any suspicious activity around your home. This deters potential burglars from even approaching your property in the first place.
If you’re away from home often, consider getting a dog walker or doggy daycare to ensure your pup gets the exercise and socialization he needs.
While all dogs have the potential to protect their homes, some breeds are known for being extra vigilant. Some of the best guard dog breeds include the German shepherd, the Rottweiler, the mastiff, and the pit bull.
Do your research to find the right breed of dog for you and your family – and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a furry friend on patrol.
3. Light up Your Landscape
Light is a powerful deterrent to criminals. That’s because burglars and vandals don’t like being in the spotlight. They would rather commit crimes in the darkness where they can’t be easily seen.
One of the best ways to protect your home is to install outdoor lighting around your property. This will make it more difficult for criminals to approach your home without being seen.
You can do this by installing motion-sensor lights around your home. These lights will turn on automatically when someone walks by, making it more difficult for them to approach your home without being seen.
Another home security tip is to place the lights in strategic locations around your property, such as near doors and windows. You should also use light bulbs that emit bright, white light to make it more difficult for criminals to hide in the shadows.
Finally, consider installing solar-powered lights. These lights are environmentally friendly and can help save you money on your energy bill.
4. Get to Know Your Neighbours
Your neighbors are your first line of defense when it comes to home security. They will also be the first to respond if you’re in trouble. Getting to know them will help you better protect your home.
Here are some tips on how to get to know your neighbors:
- Introduce yourself when you move in and exchange contact information
- Attend neighborhood events like block parties, and garage sales
- Start a neighborhood watch program
- Get involved in your community
If you have good relationships with the people who live around you, they’re more likely to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and let you know if something’s going on.
You will also be creating a network of people who will look out for each other and make your neighborhood a safer place. Plus, it’s always nice to have friends close by.
5. Eliminate Blind Spots and Hiding Places
Blind spots act as hiding places for criminals and can give them the opportunity to break into your home without being seen. It’s important to eliminate as many blind spots around your property as possible so that you can deter would-be criminals and increase the security of your home. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Prune any overgrown bushes or trees that are near your home.
- Trim back any tree branches that obscure windows or doorways.
- Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your property.
Eliminating hiding places will give you a clear view of anyone approaching your property. It also helps you see if someone is lurking around your home.
6. Secure Your Home WiFi
Did you know that more than half of American households have experienced some form of security breach and data theft? With so much of our lives moving online, it’s more important than ever to ensure our home networks are secure.
The best way to do this is by encrypting your WiFi network. This makes it more difficult for criminals to access your personal information and steal your identity.
To encrypt your WiFi network, you’ll need a strong password. Make sure to choose something that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also consider changing your password regularly, especially if you think it may have been compromised.
In addition to encrypting your WiFi network, there are other steps you can take to protect your home online. Be sure to only download apps from trusted sources, and never click on links in email or text messages from people you don’t know.
If you’re ever unsure about a website, make sure to check for the green padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates that the site is secure, and your information will be encrypted.
7. Purchase a Safe
A safe will help keep your valuable items and important documents safe. It can protect your valuables from fire, theft, and water damage.
There are many different types of safes available on the market, so you can choose one that best meets your needs. Follow the below tips when looking for the right safe for your home:
- Decide what you need to protect
- Determine the size and type of safe you need
- Consider where you will place the safe.
- Make sure the safe is big enough for your needs
- Choose a safe that has a good warranty and customer service
- Compare prices and features of different safes before making a purchase
Following these tips will help you find the right safe for your home. A safe can provide peace of mind and protection for your family and belongings. Make sure to take time to research different products before making a purchase so that you can find the best value for your money.
8. Automate Your Home
Home automation involves connecting and controlling home devices and appliances through an automated system. You can use this technology to protect your property in a number of ways:
By automating your home, you can:
- Monitor who is coming and going
- Set rules for when you can open doors and windows
- Receive alerts if someone breaks in
- Deter burglars with lights and sound
These are just a few of the ways you can use home automation to protect your property. When it comes to security, there is no such thing as being too safe. By automating your home, you can give yourself and your family peace of mind.
9. Don’t Let Everyone Into Your House
Being smart about who to let into your house is one of the best ways to protect your property. If you don’t know someone, don’t let them in. It’s as simple as that.
Many people try to take advantage of homeowners, so it’s important to be vigilant. Salespeople, for example, are often very pushy and may try to talk their way into your home. Some of them may even be carrying tools or other items that they could use to break into your home.
If you’re not comfortable with someone, don’t let them in. Always listen and trust your instincts. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
10. Store Your Spare Keys Safely
Your spare keys are one of the first things a burglar will look for. So, don’t leave yours under the doormat, in the mailbox, or any other obvious hiding spot.
Instead, give them to a trusted neighbor or friend who can keep them safe for you. If you must keep them at home, ensure they’re hidden in a difficult-to-find spot.
And, whatever you do, don’t label them “spare keys”! This is a mistake that many homeowners make that results in their homes being broken into. Keep in mind that burglars are smart and know what to look for.
11. Use Plants to Deter Intruders
Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also serve as a form of protection for your home. There are a few different ways you can do this:
- Plant thorny bushes under windows and along property boundaries
- Place potted plants near doors and windows
- Grow climbing vines on trellises or fences
Planting prickly shrubs are not only beautiful, but they also make it difficult for would-be burglars to enter your property. And that’s always a bonus.
12. Teach Your Family How to Stay Safe
Strangers and intruders may try to access your home through your vulnerable family members, especially young children. Some convince children to open the door or follow them somewhere.
Teach your family not to answer the door for strangers and not go with anyone they don’t know, even if that person seems friendly.
Some home intruders will pose as representatives of utility companies or other service providers to gain access to your home. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from the gas company or the water department, ask to see their ID. If they are legitimate, they will have no problem showing you their identification.
If you’re not expecting anyone and don’t know who they are, don’t open the door. You can also install a peephole or a door dash camera so that you can see who is at your door before you open it.
It’s also important to teach your family members to call for help in an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the best way to contact the police or other emergency services in your area.
13. Look Like You’re Home Even During Vacations
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your home is safe. But unfortunately, burglaries and home invasions do happen, and they often target homes that look unoccupied.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make it look like someone is always home, even when you’re not. One is to set some lights on timers so that they turn on and off at different times throughout the day.
You can also ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and to pick up your mail and newspapers while you’re gone. If you have a security system, make sure it’s turned on and that the company knows you’ll be away so they can keep a close eye on your property.
Create a Safety Plan for Your Property Today
No one ever wants to think about their home being broken into or invaded. But the sad reality is that it can and does happen.
The best way to protect your home and your family is to be prepared. By creating a safety plan and taking some simple precautions, you can deter burglars and intruders and help keep your home safe.
Are you looking for a reputable locksmith to help you secure your home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss your home security needs and help you find the best solution for your property.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — create a safety plan for your home today!