Decorating your new home is definitely more fun than setting up security measures. But burglars strike every twenty-one seconds, so home security should be a top priority.
To help you get back to the fun stuff, here are ten simple things you should do right away to secure your new home.
1. Secure the Doors
Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door (34% of them do!). Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong, the hinges are protected, and—if your door has a mail slot—that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door. Here are the quick reinforcements we recommend to help you shore up these vital entryways.
- Install a deadbolt.
- Add a strike plate.
- Upgrade to smart locks.
Boost security with a video doorbell.
2. Lock the Windows
Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars. Unfortunately, manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective—and sometimes they’re downright flimsy. If you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with locks or key-operated levers. But you don’t have to stop there. We have some other good ideas to help make your windows burglar-proof.
- Reinforce glass with window security film.
- Install window or glass break sensors.
- Add window bars.
- Plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows (but be sure to keep them trimmed).
3. Light Up the Landscape
Vandals, burglars, and other criminals don’t like to be in the spotlight. Keep bad folks at bay with ample outdoor lighting. Place lights around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the garage and other outdoor structures. Make your outdoor security lights even more effective with these tips.
- Use motion-activated lights.
- Save energy with solar-powered lights.
- Put outdoor lights on a timer.
4. Don’t Forget the Garage
This entry point to your home is becoming more popular with criminals. And even if they can’t access your house, chances are you have plenty of good stuff stored in the garage. Make it a habit to lock all doors to the garage—both interior and exterior. Here are some more easy ways to secure the garage.
- Upgrade to a smart garage door opener.
- Cover windows to hide the goodies inside.
- Secure garage doors with extra locks.
Use home automation—and never leave the garage door open again.
5. Set Up a Security System
Your new home should have some form of a security system, one that comes with professional monitoring and home automation. Today there are plenty of home security options for every budget and every level of protection. To choose a system that you’re comfortable with, evaluate the needs of your neighborhood and your house. And keep these factors in mind as well:
- Customer service and brand reputation
- Smart home capabilities
- Upfront and monthly costs
- Extras like smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring
6. Lock Down Your Wi-Fi Network
Your home wireless network is a doorway to your personal and financial information. And if you use home automation, it can also make your house vulnerable to a break-in. Use our tips and tricks to keep hackers off your home network.
- Secure your wireless router.
- Enable WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption.
- Rename and hide your home network.
- Use a firewall.
- Install antivirus and anti-malware protection.
- Create strong passwords.
7. Eliminate Hiding Places
Trees and shrubs may give your house curb appeal, but they also give burglars a handy place to hide. Trim down trees and plants close to your home that could be used for cover. Opt for smaller flowers and bushes instead. If you have trees near windows, either remove them or reinforce those windows with extra security. And don’t neglect the rest of your home’s exterior—use these best practices to keep things locked up tight.
- Always put away stools and ladders.
- Lock gates, sheds, and other outdoor buildings.
- Don’t tempt thieves by leaving pricey goods on display in the yard.
- Add security signs and stickers
8. Add Security Cameras
You’ve probably seen headlines about burglars being foiled by security camera footage. This is one home security solution that works as both a deterrent and a means to get justice. You can get security cameras that are part of a complete home security system. We recommend using a security camera with a mobile app, so you can see footage in real time and store it if you ever need to go to the police. Check out other must-have features:
- Motion detection
- Night vision
- Wi-Fi capability
- Weatherproof casing
9. Get a Safe
In the event that someone gets by your other home security strategies, make sure that valuables are protected. An in-home safe is a secure depository for everything from jewelry to vital documents like passports. You want a safe that is fire-resistant, waterproof, and heavy enough that a thief can’t walk away with it. Follow these suggestions to get the most protection from your safe.
- Look for safes with redundant locks (that’s two locks on one safe).
- Select the right size safe for the valuables you want to protect.
- Decide if you want a portable safe or one that’s anchored.
10. Use Home Automation
If you’ve been tempted to turn your regular house into a smart home, security is one compelling reason to follow through. Home automation can give you remote (or scheduled) control of lights, locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other safety devices. You can get real-time alerts about suspicious activity, so you can respond quickly and thwart potential thieves. Here are some of our favorite ways to use home automation to increase security.
- Schedule lights (and your TV) to turn on and off when you’re on vacation.
- Scare away porch pirates with two-way talk through a smart doorbell.
- Get an instant video feed whenever someone walks up your driveway.
- Check on a smoke or CO2 alarm and cancel false alarms from your smartphone.
