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Home security is one of those things that everyone should take seriously but fail to act on until something really terrible happens. However, you can avoid most problems and give yourself peace of mind by being proactive. From smart devices to cybersecurity, here are some tips.
Obtain the Necessary Policies
Insurance is one of the most overlooked tools you can have. Of course, it is an expense. But it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Car insurance is a valuable tool that's mandated by law. So why ignore home insurance. You can insure anything in the home individually or as a group. However, homeowners insurance covers more serious issues and provides additional peace of mind should something happen, such as burglary or an act of God.
Install Smart Home Security Devices
Smart devices are everywhere, and roughly 16 billion smart devices are in use today. There are good reasons, too, as smart devices are convenient for many things and just make tasks easier, faster, and more secure. Here are some ways smart devices offer enhanced home security:
- Video doorbells are a cheap and effective way to see who is at your door.
- You can secure smart locks remotely and receive alerts when they are tampered with.
- Wi-Fi CCTV cameras can be accessed from anywhere and capture any incidents.
Invest in a Quality Alarm System
House alarms have been somewhat overshadowed by today's modern gadgets, such as smart devices and Wi-Fi cameras. But they are still a valuable tool in the kit of deterring and catching intruders. In fact, an alarm should be the first thing you install. An alarm system can be enough to make a would-be burglar think twice before entering your home. However, it is better to buy the best you can afford, as cheaper ones are easy to override and even destroy to gain access.
Reinforce Doors and Windows
It is rare that an intruder uses the front door to enter your home. Instead, they typically use the backdoor and ground floor windows. However, they may also use upper-floor windows if it is easy for them to climb. Of course, you don't have to make it easy for them either. Window locks on every floor are pretty useful. You can also use jammers that make uPVC doors and windows impossible to open from the outside, and they only cost around the same as a cup of coffee!
Home Security as a Community
Reinforcing the home is a great first step. But there is strength in numbers when it comes to beating crime in a local area. You can support each other as a community by coming together and discussing the issues out in the open to keep others informed and help deter crime.
Inform neighbors of recent problems
Talking about crime problems where you live helps get the word out there. It can also alert criminals that they are being noticed and force them to leave the area where they operate.
Share advice on social media
Social media is excellent for getting news out quickly. You can also share images and videos you have captured of criminals in the act to help bring them to justice during an investigation.
Join a neighborhood watch team
It might be corny, but just establishing a neighborhood watch team can be enough to deter criminals from an area altogether. They will also think twice if a neighborhood patrol is seen.
Being the victim of a crime can be very stressful, but sharing what has happened is nothing to be embarrassed about. Communities can become stronger together when tackling the issues of modern crime, including burglaries, assault, and antisocial behavior problems in your area.
Don't Forget About the Garage
Securing the home is a valuable thing to do when fighting against burglars. However, it can be easy to forget about the garage. However, the garage often has a connection to the main house, meaning intruders can gain entry through it. So, also install alarms and cameras in the garage when setting up your home security system. Otherwise, it would be like leaving a door open with a massive, blinking welcome sign! Oh, and don't forget to lock your vehicle doors as well.
Use More than One Lock
Locking doors and windows is an effective way to prevent access to your home. But when you have a very determined or experienced burglar, it sometimes isn't enough. For main entry points, it is best to use multiple lock systems to prevent access. For example, you can use a combination of the door's original lock, a deadbolt, and a padlock. You can also go on further and add a smart lock system so you will be alerted if someone is trying to gain entry.
Better Home Security Online
Home security doesn't only relate to preventing physical access. A cybercriminal can cause just as much damage as an intruder. It is estimated that around 800,000 private citizens are subject to cyber attacks each year. So, here are some quick tips to secure your home's cyber access:
- Change your router's default password to prevent access, as they are often generic.
- Enable two-factor authentication as a necessary second step for online access.
- Never click on suspicious emails and attachments that you don't recognize.
Be Careful on Social Media
Further to online activities, social media can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. While social media can help get the word out about local crime, it can also broadcast your vulnerabilities. For example, it can be exciting to think about your next vacation, but stating when you are going away is like inviting burglars to your home. It also helps to be careful when sharing online photos, as you can show your valuables to people who would try to take them.
Summary
Obtaining necessary insurance policies is one of the ideal home security tips for greater peace of mind. Communities can also come together with schemes such as neighborhood watch to deter criminals. You should also be careful about what details you share on social media.
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