Everyone wants to feel secure in their own homes. Your residence is supposed to be your sanctuary from the stresses of the outside world, and if this safe haven’s security is compromised, you may never look at your home the same way again. Contrary to what many homeowners believe, beefing up your security doesn’t have to be costly or cumbersome. When it comes to making the old homestead a safer place, a little bit of time, money and common sense can go a long way.
Meticulously Lock Doors and Windows
When working to secure your home, locking your doors and windows is the absolute least you can do. Despite how simple this measure is to undertake, a staggering number of households regard it as a foreign concept. More often than not, this kind of attitude is prevalent in areas where burglary and vandalism are rare. Many homeowners in these areas are under the impression that never experiencing a break-in or encountering a vandal means that their houses are immune from such threats. While it’s easy to see why these individuals have been lulled into a false sense of security, this line of thinking is woefully misguided. Just because something hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it will never, and one break-in is all it takes to turn this belief on its head.
For households that have gotten into the habit of never locking doors or windows, growing accustomed to locking them on a daily basis is liable to take time. However, for the sake of your home and all who dwell within, it’s imperative that you instill the importance of locked doors and windows in your family members. These are the most common points of entry for burglars, and leaving them unlocked leaves your household susceptible to a wide array of threats. Additionally, some criminals exclusively target homes with unlocked entrances, so taking a minute or two out of your day to ensure that everything’s locked can make all the difference.
Install a Home Security System
Although home security systems have a reputation for being exorbitantly expensive, there are many exceptions to the rule. For example, affordable wireless home security systems are easy to find and offer an incredible degree of user-friendliness and accessibility. Additionally, thanks to the lack of wires, these systems are often far less cumbersome to install than traditional ones.
If being able to keep a watchful eye on your home is important, look for a security system that offers remote monitoring. This handy feature enables homeowners to maintain a vigilant watch over their residences, regardless of where they happen to be. Armed with a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you’ll be able to check in on the old homestead with a few simple clicks. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to leave this task in someone else’s hands, a system that offers professional monitoring services may be right up your alley. Knowing that seasoned security professionals perpetually have eyes on your residence’s most vulnerable entrance points can provide tremendous peace of mind.
Utilize Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can complement any security system and effectively deter those who would enter your home uninvited. For best results, motion detectors should be replaced in the vicinity of doors and windows. Since these are criminals’ preferred entrance points, the presence of motion detectors often makes them think twice before attempting a burglary. As is the case with wireless security systems, many modern-day motion detectors can be controlled through convenient mobile apps and purchased at affordable prices.
Motion detectors also come in many different varieties, with microwave, ultrasonic, dual-technology and passive infrared (PRI) being among the most common. To determine which type of motion sensor is best suited to your residence, consult home security professional or knowledgeable contractor.
The desire to feel secure in one’s own abode is a basic human instinct. After all, everyone needs a place where they can be completely at peace. Unfortunately, a single theft or act of vandalism is all it takes to alter someone’s idyllic view of their residence. In many cases, this can also trigger a full-blown internal crisis. “If I’m not safe in my own home, where am I safe?” While there’s no end-all solution to home security threats, there are many ways to effectively protect yourself from these threats – most of which are affordable on even the most stringent budget.
