Since your home is the focal point of your family, it’s very important to ensure that it receives the highest amount of attention and care possible for a security perspective. Now that it’s the New Year, it’s essential to make sure that your home is as protected and prepared for security risks as possible – and if you’re confused as to where to start to strengthen your home security, here’s a guide as prepared by the residential security experts here at Chicago Locksmiths.
Avoiding Being a Target
Most criminals are looking for a home that’s as easy as possible to break into. Most thieves want to get inside your property, grab any valuables, and leave as fast as possible. So as a homeowner, you need to make sure that your home doesn’t appear to be an easy target for crime.
Window Security
Make sure not to leave your windows wide open or unlocked. Thieves will be happy to utilize an unlocked or open window to enter your home; and even upstairs windows constitute a risk for this. Make sure that all of your windows shut and lock adequately, and ask your family to keep all windows locked, especially in the middle of the day when people won’t be home.
Doors
Make sure that your doors are either solid wood or metal. You need to have a security deadbolt in place that extends at least an inch into the door. You need an oversized and heavy duty strike plate affixed with 3 inch screws, and ensure that the door hinges are also fixed with 3 inch screws. You need to additionally ensure that your door between your home garage is protected in all the above ways, and make sure sliding patio doors are protected with a unique device placed in its track. Consider installing an internet based home security system that allows you to monitor the distance of your home.
Lighting
- Make sure that you use a timer or night sensor to light up your front door or front entrance way when it’s dark out.
- Keep lights on the front walk of your house on the same timer as front entrance lights.
- Keep your car parking area (if it’s outdoors) constantly well lit.
- Install motion sensors to protect your backyard, side entrances, back doors, and patio doors.
- Keep lights on timers inside your home. You want to create the appearance that people are home even when you’re away.
Wireless Home Security
- Consider installing a wireless home security system.
- Wireless home security systems are quicker and more easy to assemble than old school wired security systems.
- Wireless home security systems don’t damage your walls with wires and drilling.
- Cameras can easily be moved.
- You can get remote access to all of your security information through any device with internet capabilities.
- Wireless home security systems offer the ability to constantly monitor your home for theft.
- The security sign that you can place across your home and yard that signals your installed security system is a major deterrent that can prevent potential criminals from attempting a burglary in the first place.
