6 Ways to Improve Your Home Security
The last thing you want is to come home and find your house has been ransacked or get some news while you’re on vacation that there’s been an incident. Unfortunately, neighborhood crime happens, but the best way to avoid it is to get ahead of it. Make sure you have excellent home security in place to cover eventualities, and you never have to worry about traveling for vacation.
Timed Lighting
Whether you are away from your home for the day, the weekend, or a month, it’s a sensible idea to use timed lighting to keep your home safe. Timed lighting is not a new technology, but it’s still used today – even with advanced security systems around – because it’s a highly effective intruder deterrent.
Most people buy timing lights from local hardware stores and home depots; the main criteria for timed lights is that they can be set to come on automatically while you’re away for a period giving the impression there is someone home. Timed lights are basic and don’t need motion sensing.
Outdoor Lighting
Indoor lighting is an effective deterrent, but so is outdoor lighting. In fact, the more lights you have around your home, the better because intruders can be more easily spotted or rumbled when they step onto a driveway and become illuminated by motion-sensing outdoor lights.
Unlike timed lights, which have different brands but typically perform the same function, outdoor lights can be fixed, light sensitive, or motion sensing. It’s up to you how you want to improve your home security system, but it’s a good idea to use a selection of lighting types overall.
New Locks
Maybe you’ve had new doors fitted, had a break-in recently, or have recently moved into a house and want to improve the security of the property. In any case, there is never a bad time to upgrade the locks in your property and ensure that you are the only one that can gain access.
When it comes to locks, you have different types to choose from; there are deadbolt locks, mortise locks, cam locks, profile cylinders, and more. Choosing the best lock for your home is important, so make sure you consult an All Hour Locksmith before you invest in home security.
Alarm Systems
Want to keep track of your home’s security whether you’re at work or on the other side of the planet? What you need is an integrated home security system with an app that gives you round-the-clock insights into your home’s status and automatically calls authorities during break-ins.
Nowadays, a home alarm system is much more than a loud noise that goes off to scare away intruders. The best systems have a base station that connects the rooms of the homes to a smartphone app, a motion sensor, wifi security, door and window sensors, and much more.
Gravel Driveways
Have you ever walked on a gravel driveway while approaching a neighbor’s home and noticed the crunching sound? That’s not an accident. Gravel driveways might look pretty from the outside, but they fulfill an important function as well, they help to improve the security of your home.
It’s pretty hard to remain inconspicuous when you have a gravel path to contend with; the loud noise of someone walking on the gravel is enough to alert residents even when they have dozed off to sleep. Remember, gravel driveways need to be topped up regularly to be effective.
Neighborhood Watch
It’s important to have the best security systems you can find, such as security alarms, door locks, and lighting, but home also needs the protection of the neighborhood, especially during the summer months when more people are away for longer stretches. Why not start one up today?
If you don’t have a neighborhood watch system in place, your home – as well as the street – could be vulnerable to break-ins. Setting up a neighborhood watch is easier than you might think; simply join a network, invite some neighbors and set up occasional meetings in the area.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t thought about your home security for some time, you might want to turn your attention to it this summer when you’re planning a vacation. Summer is a prime time for criminals to target neighborhoods, so make sure your home security system is updated.
There are several ways you can update your security systems first, improve the security of your windows and doors by ensuring they have locks with verifiable keys. Next, update your home’s alarm system and ensure you have plenty of lighting options inside and outside the home.