When you were building or buying your home, did you think about a security system? Many homes get broken into each year. It’s never too late to add security to your home. You can shop barn doors with good locks, but there is always a chance someone could break in.
Secure Your Home
Securing your home from intruders is an important task that requires a combination of physical and technical measures. Here are some smart strategies to secure your home:
1. Install a security system: A security system can include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras. It can be connected to a monitoring service that can alert the authorities in case of an emergency, or it can be connected to your smartphone, so you can monitor your home remotely.
2. Install deadbolts: Deadbolts are a simple and effective way to secure your doors. They are more difficult for intruders to pick or kick in, and they can be locked from the inside or outside with a key.
3. Install door and window alarms: These alarms can alert you if someone opens a door or window, and they can be connected to a monitoring service or to your smartphone.
4. Install smart locks: Smart locks allow you to control access to your home with your smartphone, and they can be programmed to lock and unlock automatically. They can also record when someone enters or exits the home and grant access to specific individuals based on your preference.
5. Use security cameras: Security cameras can provide visual evidence of any intruders, and they can be connected to your smartphone or a monitoring service, so you can keep an eye on your home remotely.
6. Light up your property: Installing motion-sensing lights around the exterior of your home, such as the front porch, back door, and garage, can deter intruders, who prefer to operate in the dark.
7. Trim bushes and trees around your windows: Trim bushes and trees around your windows can make it more difficult for an intruder to hide while trying to gain access to your home.
8. Secure sliding doors: sliding glass doors are an easy point of entry for burglars, use a metal rod or a wooden dowel to block the door from sliding open.
9. Keep your valuables out of sight: Keep your valuables out of sight, and use window coverings to block the view into your home. This can help to deter burglars who may be looking for an easy target.
10. Use home automation to control your devices remotely: Smart home automation devices can allow you to control your lights, locks, and cameras remotely, which can be useful if you are away from home.
11. Use a security app: security apps can provide you with an extra layer of security, you can use them to monitor your home, get alerts when motion is detected or if the door or window is opened, and control your smart devices.
12. Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Keep in mind that no security system can guarantee that your home will never be broken into, but by implementing smart strategies, you can make it much more difficult for intruders to gain access to your home. Additionally, a good way to make sure your home is secure is to conduct a security audit of your property, identify the weak spots and take the necessary actions.
What To Do If Your Home Has Been Broken Into
If your home has been broken into, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and to preserve evidence that may be used in the investigation. Here are some steps you should take if your home has been broken into:
- Call the police: Call 911 as soon as possible to report the break-in. The police will send an officer to your home to take a report and search for evidence.
- Don’t enter the home: Do not enter your home until the police arrive if you suspect that the intruders may still be inside.
- Secure the area: Once the police have arrived, secure any open doors or windows to prevent further entry.
- Look for evidence: Once the police have cleared the area, you can enter your home to look for any missing items or evidence. Take note of anything that appears to be out of place or damaged.
These are just a few ideas. It’s important to remember that the police will be your best resource for guidance and help in this situation, following their instructions is key, and cooperation with them will help them to bring the perpetrator to justice. Remember that a break-in is not just a crime against property, but also a violation of your personal space, it can be a traumatic event and it can take time to overcome the feelings of insecurity it might cause.