According to the FBI, there were around 1.2 million burglaries in 2018. While the numbers are on the decline, it still proves home security should be top of mind.
Do you know how to fortify your home? Or defend it should someone break in? It can sound scary to think of a home invasion. But you can improve your chances of avoiding one by following these home defense tips.
Read on to learn what simple steps you can take to make your home safer:
Improve Exterior Defenses
If an attacker wants to get into your home, they will find a way to do so. Your job is to slow them down and make it as difficult as possible.
These types of home security will put off opportunist thieves, who will look elsewhere for easier pickings. Meanwhile, the noise they create will alert you to the presence of an intruder.
60 percent of burglaries happen during the day. So change your door locks for deadbolts. Keep doors locked, even when you’re at home. Lock your windows when you’re not in the room.
Don’t drop keys in a bowl by the door. This makes them an easy target. Keep them out of sight.
Look at your front yard from the point of view of a burglar. Are there places to hide? Broken fences to give better access?
Cut back shrubs or hedges beneath windows. Fix any fences and lock side gates to make it harder to reach the rear of your home.
Install lights outside. Motion-activated lights are a great way to deter casual thieves.
Install a Security System
Thanks to smart home technology, it’s easier than ever to install a home security system. Many systems offer various options so you can choose the elements you need.
A WiFi security camera is a must to record what happens. Choose one that stores footage in the cloud so intruders can’t take incriminating videos with them.
Install door and window sensors to alert the system to intruders. Some systems come with sirens, others send alerts to law enforcement for you.
A video doorbell is also a great way to check who’s outside before you answer the door. Why not buy smart light bulbs and set them to come on at random when you’re out? This makes your home look occupied and less inviting.
Build a Safe Room
Building a panic room is probably beyond your budget. But you can still convert a room in your home into a safe room. This gives you somewhere to gather your family and wait for help.
Choose which room will be your safe room. A bedroom is usually a good choice. Install a solid door because most internal doors are designed for privacy, not security.
Put a deadbolt on the door. If you can, install a security gate in the hallway leading to your bedroom.
Make sure you keep your cell phone in your bedroom at night. You may have a telephone extension installed in the bedroom. But intruders can disarm that by taking the phone off the hook elsewhere in the house.
Keep a firearm in the safe room. If you don’t want to keep weapons, buy a stun gun instead.
We hope you never need to defend your home against an attacker. But by following these simple home defense tips, you can cut down the chances you’ll have to. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. At best, you’ve bought yourself peace of mind. At worst, you could prevent a serious crime taking place.
Why not check out our lifestyle articles for more tips to take care of your home?
