Safety and being safe in your home is essential. It is where memories are made - from your baby’s first steps to high school graduations and retirement parties. Pictures of these moments often line the hallways or kitchen walls. That all changes should a burglary or home invasion happen.
Victims of burglary usually experience emotions that include sadness, disbelief, fear, and anger. These are natural responses to such a physically and emotionally invasive crime. If you have been the victim of a burglary or attempted burglary then you know the importance of having a properly installed, fully functional security system.
No matter what category you fall into there are some things to consider when installing a home security system and a home security audit can help to assess what type of system is best for you. Take a moment to consider these questions that will help you make the best decision for you and your family.
Locked Out?
Despite our best efforts, most of us have probably been locked out of the home. This is actually a great perspective from which to view your home security. How would you get in if you didn’t have your keys? Looking at your home with this in mind can give you the same perspective as a burglar. Criminals are looking for easy points of entry that are as concealed as possible. Identify those access points and consider adding contacts, glass break detection devices or motion sensors to those doors and windows.
Are your windows covered by bushes or trees?
This may not seem like the most obvious question to ask when discussing home security, but it can be critical to preventing a break in. Keep your windows clear so that a person could not hide behind them while testing to see if windows are open. Having a clear line of sight to potential points of entry can make your home an unappealing target to potential thieves. If you are particularly concerned about home security then opting for prickly cacti under windows can deter anyone from attempting to enter your home through those windows. The plants add an additional benefit as they often produce colorful blooms, require little water and are typically very low maintenance.
Are all of your doors secured?
Doors come in every shape, size, and material. While you may be wooed by fancy glass details, exterior doors should be made of a solid material if security is a concern. These include doors that connect semi-indoor spaces like garages, sunrooms and screened porches. Deadbolts are the most common hardware that can prevent a forced entry. These must extend completely into the hole and be reinforced with a metal strike to fully protect your home. If your doors do have glass panels, then you should be aware that they can be broken to bypass any deadbolt by reaching inside. If that is the case, then you should determine if the glass is reinforced or traditional.
Do you have traditional glass windows?
Traditional glass can be easily broken. A purposely thrown brick can – literally – shatter any attempt to protect your home with traditional locks. There are alternatives that can increase the security of your home. Consider a laminated glass that is stronger and requires a burglar to hit the same spot repeatedly with great force. This usually causes quite a commotion and will send thieves running when they realize their surefire point of entry is quite secure. Polycarbonate and Plexiglas windows can be 10 times stronger than traditional windows. Window bars provide an added layer of physical security and decorative options are widely available.
Do you know if a window or door is open?
Replacing doors and windows might not be in the budget or the design, so adding sensors to these points of entry can be a much more appealing solution. The contacts are composed of two parts, one on the frame and one on the door or window. When the connection between the devices is broken it sends a signal to your alarm panel. If the system is in an armed state then this will trigger an alarm.
Did you close the garage?
If you don’t regularly park in the garage – or even if you do – then it can be easy to forget that this is the biggest door in your whole house. Leaving it open is not all that different from leaving your front door open. If you have an older garage door lifter then you should know that the remote to your garage door may not be all that unique. Any remote may open your door. Ensure that your system has the rolling-code technology to maximize your home security. Lift Master makes an excellent device that can remotely close your garage door if you forget and randomize its codes each time the remote is used so hackers can’t steal your remote’s code. Keep your remote on your keychain. This will prevent a car break-in from turning into a home invasion. Frost the glass on garage door windows to prevent criminals from casing this entrance. Lastly, padlock the throw latch when you go out of town for an added layer of physical security.
Where are your most valuable items stored?
Many people keep their valuables in different places. Heirloom jewelry, cash, and identity documents have a high value on the black market and are the first thing thieves look for when burglarizing a home. The list of websites that give you unusual hiding places for these items is pretty long and exhaustive. If wrapping your grandma’s pearl necklace in aluminum foil and storing it in the freezer isn’t your cup of tea, then consider a safe. Safes have been around for a very long time because they are particularly good at keeping things, well… safe. Choose a safe that is heavy enough so that it cannot be easily moved. If your safe is light enough to carry then a thief will just steal the safe and everything in it. Selecting a product that is also fireproof can provide double the protection – though it is typically one or the other. Electronic locks do not need regular maintenance while mechanical locks do, but combining both will provide maximum security.
Are you tech-savvy?
Security systems have merged with the home automation market to create powerful home control systems. These systems can include everything from smart thermostats to facial recognition cameras. If you are comfortable using technology, then consider a security system that will integrate with platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. These can add a layer of convenience to home security systems by utilizing voice commands and mobile apps. If you shy away from technology then traditional systems can provide you peace of mind without complicating matters with unwanted technology.
