Home Security 101: How to Burglar-Proof Your Home
Family,  Safety

Home Security 101: How to Burglar-Proof Your Home

Did you know that there are about 1.4 million cases of burglaries reported in 2017 just in the United States of America? If you’re a homeowner, this statistic is something to be concerned about. Here’s another statistic you should be aware of 28 percent, or nearly 3 out of 10 of these burglaries happen when there’s someone at home. And, as anyone would have imagined, a confrontation between a member of the household and a criminal should be the last thing that should happen.

Home Security 101: How to Burglar-Proof Your Home

With such startling statistics we face every year, as homeowners, we can never be too careful when it comes to home security. And it’s not just about protecting your property anymore, it’s also about making sure that your loved ones are perfectly safe in your home, even if you’re not there to look after them.  Although it may seem hopeless given the staggering amount of burglary cases happening in the country, there are actually plenty of ways to easily burglar-proof your home.

Here are some useful tips on how to upgrade your home security system without having to break the bank.

Know your neighbors

Homes in a close-knit community will less likely be burgled because most of these criminals will probably think twice about breaking into a house in a neighborhood where everyone keeps an eye on each other.

Knowing everyone in your neighborhood allows you to monitor anyone in your community who might have the tendency to break into someone’s house.

Keep a low profile

Yes, showing off your expensive boat or brand-new bike would probably earn you a bit of “prestige” and bragging rights in your neighborhood, but it will also be like putting a sign outside your home that says: Come, break into my house and steal them! We’re not saying that you should pack all your valuables away from sight and never use them again. We’re just saying that you shouldn’t put a target on your back by attracting burglars, showing off all the cool stuff you own all the time. Just put away all your valuables out of sight when you’re not using them.

Deterrence is key

Home Security 101: How to Burglar-Proof Your Home

One of the most effective ways to keep your home safe from home invasion is by scaring would-be burglars away. How? Here are some of the most effective burglar-deterrent gadgets you should really consider investing in:

  • Wireless home security systems – this is actually a no-brainer, as burglars will most likely be scared off breaking into a house that has visible security cameras and alarm systems. And even if you’re away from home, the wireless capabilities of these modern home security systems allow you to keep a watchful eye on your property.

 

  • Strategic lighting – it will be easier for would-be invaders to break into your house if there are many hiding spots around your property. The best thing to eliminate this problem is to keep every area around your home well lit. You can install lights in strategic areas around your home such as the front door, patio doors, bushes, the tool shed, and other places that might be used as a hiding spot.

Also, you can invest in motion-sensor outdoor lights that would not only alert you when someone is lurking around your property but would also scare off would-be intruders.

Install hardware reinforcements

If you think about it, pretty much all the doors and windows in your home are possible entry points—even if you always keep them locked. So make sure that these entry points are reinforced with pick-proof locks and sturdy hardware that will make your windows and doors much harder to break in to.

You should also consider investing in door and window alarms that would alert you in the event of an attempted home break-in.

Plan for the worst-case scenario

What’s the worst-case scenario? Even with all the precautionary measures (alarms, security cameras, lighting, and entry point reinforcements) you have made in your home, and a burglar still manages to get inside in the middle of the night, that’s pretty much a life and death situation, right?

If you find yourself in this situation, make sure that you have a plan that will keep you and your family safe. No matter how unlikely it would seem to be.

In such situations, security experts suggest discussing several escape plans with the whole family. If, for example, there’s a man forcing himself into your house via the front door, you and your family should have an escape route through the back door or second-floor window that will lead you to the backyard.

If all your escape routes are blocked (say, a group of burglars are trying to get into your home via all entry/exit points) you could install a safe room where you and your family can hide until they leave your home. Make sure that the designated safe room’s door is also reinforced with locks that are difficult to pick and made of a sturdy material that will be impossible to break into.

Lastly, your safe room should also be equipped with an extra telephone with a different line so that you’ll be able to call the police.

Bonus tip: get a dog!

Home Security 101: How to Burglar-Proof Your Home

Dogs are more than just pets; they can be your personal bodyguard and an alarm system at the same time. Not to mention that if you choose a guardian dog breed, and with proper training, you can be sure to have a guard dog that will alert you when danger is nearby.  They are called man’s best friend for a reason.

Sure, the number of home invasions and burglaries across the country may seem high but it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. With these simple tips, keeping your family and valuables safe should be easier. Make your home burglar-proof for your next home improvement project.

Please follow and like us:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *