Protect Your Home: How to Create Your Own Security Plan

You set up a security system at home thinking that it’s going to make your property completely burglar-proof. However, contrary to what most people believe in, a security system alone might not be enough to protect your home.

Aside from human error and improper installation of devices, the lack of a security plan can also greatly affect your home safety. If this is the first time you’re making one, then here are some ideas to keep in mind.

Front Door

Almost 34% of burglars use the front door in entering homes. If your property isn’t protected enough, there’s a good chance it can add up to the number.

To increase your front door safety:

  • Make sure your landscaping does not provide a good hiding spot for burglars.
  • Keep your front door well-lit. You can set up a few smart lights to automatically turn on at specified times or once it gets dark. Motion activated lights are also good options.
  • Do not leave any spare keys anywhere in the area.
  • Invest in a good deadbolt lock.
  • Always lock your doors.
  • Add a peephole. If someone you don’t know rings your doorbell, do not open it right away. Burglars tend to check on their target homes just to make sure no one is at home.
  • Check for loose hinges and broken locks. If you find any, make sure to never delay repair.
  • Be careful in who you let inside your home. Some burglars may come up to your front door and pretend to be a repairman offering services.
  • In case you’ve misplaced or lost your keys, be sure to change your locks right away.

First Floor Windows

The first floor window is the second most frequent entry point for burglars. Around 23% of burglars use it to gain access to target homes. In securing this area, never assume that it can’t be reached. Some burglars are cleverer than you think.

To protect these windows:

  • Look for possible objects that burglars could use to reach your windows. Always make it a point to lock away tools and ladders. You should also set your garbage toter away.
  • Keep your curtains or blinds closed at night or when no one is home.
  • You should also be careful in placing expensive appliances and devices near your window area.
  • Install a good window lock. A strong and visible lock is most recommended to use on this area.
  • Security bars are also good security options. However, when installing them, you need to make sure that if an emergency does happen, these security bars won’t prevent you from going out.
  • You can also consider putting a security film over your window glasses. This type of film prevents shattering in case a burglar decides to smash your window. Aside from home security, the film can also increase your personal safety in cases of earthquakes and even hurricanes.
  • Immediately cut shrubs once they go past or at the level of your windows.
  • If you have a sliding window, you can add a small wooden dowel on its bottom track.

Back Doors

Your back door is one of your home’s weakest spots. As a matter of fact, at least 22% of burglars think this way. Because back doors tend to be out of sight, they take it as an opportunity to easily get inside your home without being noticed.

To secure your back door:

  • Always keep it locked. Whether you’ll just be working on your garden or getting something from your garage, never leave it open.
  • Light it up at night. Motion activated lights are helpful in keeping intruders off of the area.
  • Consider using the same materials for your front and back doors. Although doors made of wood can be visually appealing, they may not be strong enough to withstand forceful kicking to keep intruders out. For better security, try to find doors with a solid core.
  • Increase visibility in the area. Aside from proper lighting, try to keep your back door clear from clutter and overgrown shrubs.
  • It is highly recommended to put up a security system or even a motion sensor in your back door area.

Garage

A small but alarming 8% of burglars choose garage as their main entry point. The area does not only provide a way for burglars to enter your home but it can also give them a place to conceal themselves.

Here are a few security tips to keep your garage secure:

  • Do a routine check on your garage doors for any possible corrosion and broken locks. This should include not only your roll up door but also the doors that connect to your home.
  • The addition of a peephole to your garage is also a good idea. This can help you check what’s going on inside it without physically exposing yourself to possible criminals.
  • Keep the door that connects your garage to your home locked when not in use.
  • Avoid leaving your garage door keys inside your car.
  • Conceal garage windows so burglars won’t know if your car is inside or not.
  • Push valuables to the backside of your garage. A new bike or your old television set can entice burglars.
  • Always check and secure your garage door emergency release.

Other than these entry points, burglars can also take advantage of your basement and second floor windows. Even your air conditioner windows can be favorable for clever criminals. While there could be a lot of ways these people can have access to your home, there are also tons of preventive measures you can take.

Technology, when used properly, can greatly add to your home safety. Choosing the best security system for your home, such as our top rated Frontpoint, and partnering it with a well-thought-out security plan can immensely improve your protection against burglars. If you haven’t had the time to sit down with your family to create one, then now is the right time.

Do you use the same idea in securing your home? What security ideas can you add to this plan?