With the holiday season approaching, it’s a great time to think about how you can make your home safer and more secure. Every year, thousands of people are victims of crimes in their own homes, from burglary or robbery to sexual assault.
The saying “To keep your home safe and secure, you’re only as safe as your weakest link” is one that rings true for many homeowners. In the event of an emergency, you want to be sure you have adequate protection and contingency plans in place — but with so many products on the market for home safety and security, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t become a statistic! For five tips on making your home safer and more secure, see this article.
Keep a few flashlights around the house in case of emergencies
Flashlights provide you with the light you need when you need it, but they also serve as a safety precaution in case the power goes out. When power goes out, flashlights are a must-have. Having a few flashlights around the house in case of emergencies may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t have one. You’ll be able to see in the dark and find your way around the house. It’ll also help you keep track of your pets and children, so they don’t accidentally wander off.
Lock all doors and windows when you leave the house, even if it’s just for a moment
There are a lot of ways you can make your home safer, but one of the most basic ways is to simply lock all doors and windows when you leave the house. It’s a simple enough procedure, and it saves you the hassle of having to replace a broken window or a door that’s been kicked in. You could also have a system that automatically locks all doors and windows when you leave the house. You can buy devices like this online, or if you have an iPhone, you can use an app like the iSmartAlarm Home Security Starter Kit to do the same thing.
Install exterior lighting
Exterior lighting isn’t just for show — it can actually make your home safer. Installing exterior lights will help deter criminals from breaking into your home. The lights will also help give you a better view of the area around your home, giving you an added sense of security.
Exterior lighting is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s security. Keep your exterior well-lit, and your home will be less appealing to potential intruders. The more light on your property, the less likely you are to experience a break-in. If you’re using a timer to control your exterior lights, be sure that they turn off after midnight.
Change your locks
Home is where you keep your most valuable stuff, but what happens when your home isn’t as safe as you think it should be? Whether you’ve just moved in, had a break-in, or are just looking to improve your home security, changing your locks is an easy way to give your home a new lease on life. If you’re just moving in, it’s a good idea to change your locks with the new owner. This will make sure nobody can come in and out of the house while you’re away. You’ll also want to change your locks if you’re moving out or if you’re just looking to improve home security.
You’ll find that most locks can be changed in less than an hour with the help of a professional locksmith who knows their way around tools. This is an easy way to protect your family and your possessions. You can also change your door screws and hinges for more security. Just be sure that you purchase the right kind for your door and don’t overtighten them — you can easily damage the door if you do.
Get safer window treatments
To truly make your home safer, you need to secure your windows. Windows are one of the weakest links in your home’s security system. There are several ways to secure your windows, including getting burglar bars or window locks. Burglar bars are metal bars that are put on the inside of your windows to prevent burglars from entering. However, burglar bars can be expensive and hard to clean. A better option is window locks, which work as an extra lock on your windows.
If you live in an area where hurricanes or tornadoes are common, you know that it’s important to make your home as storm- and tornado-proof as possible. But, if you live in an area that’s prone to storms, you may have considered installing storm shutters to protect your windows. However, plantation shutters are the best to install or replace with your glass windows for added security and protection. Other treatments may be more prone to easy breakage and break-in, but plantation shutters keep the burglars away.
