7 Ways to Make Your Home More Secure

Table of Contents

1. Best Ways to Make Your Home More Secure[+]
   1. Use Smart Technology
   2. Consider Your Cybersecurity
   3. Use Keyless Entry and Remote Access
   4. Prioritize Daytime Security
   5. Upgrade Your Garage Door
   6. Use Smart Landscaping
   7. Invest in Door and Window Jams
2. Final Thoughts

Your house and belongings are valuable investments that have both monetary and sentimental value.

More importantly, your family, self, and sense of security are valuable beyond measure— that’s why home security is so important.

Here are the best ways to make your home more secure, inside, outside, and online.

Best Ways to Make Your Home More Secure

Use Smart Technology

The evolution of smart technology promises a lot of compelling innovations in home security. Smart security systems vary from traditional security systems with advanced monitoring technology.

Rather than having an alarm sound and an automatic call for help activated moments later— still a valuable feature— smart systems also offer features like cameras, real-time monitoring, and cloud storage.

Beyond security-specific features, smart technology can be used to keep your home safe in several other ways. You can program smart lighting to turn on and off at various points throughout the day.

This feature is perfect for creating a sense of presence when you’re on vacation or away from your home. You can also use smart monitoring systems to notify you of any temperature spikes, leaky pipes, or if you left the iron plugged in.

If you haven’t already started incorporating smart technology into your home, it’s a practical first step in optimizing your home security.

Consider Your Cybersecurity

When we consider security within our homes, we tend to think of the potential for break-ins or physical damage. As internet-connected devices have become a staple in our daily lives, it’s also important to consider your home’s cybersecurity.

Treasure Valley IT is known for offering the best laptop repair services in Boise, ID. According to their knowledgeable team, cybersecurity should be synonymous with home security— especially for those working from home.

Investing in a virtual private network (VPN) and continuous laptop monitoring can protect you from viruses, data loss, and even ad tracking.

It’s also essential to ensure everyone in your home is well-versed in internet safety. Have discussions with your children about safe internet use, and ensure that everyone knows the risks of clicking suspicious links.

If you have senior citizens in the home, talk to them about common internet scams and schemes as well. The elderly tend to be a primary target for internet scams, and the financial implications can be devastating.

Use Keyless Entry and Remote Access

If you’re still hiding a spare key under a rock or your doormat, it’s time for a major security upgrade. Modern criminals are well-versed in finding hidden keys, and your hiding spot probably isn’t as secure as you think.

If someone breaks into your home using a hidden key, your insurance coverage could be invalidated, leaving you with the costs.

It can also be risky to make numerous copies of your key, both in tracking who has access to your home and maintaining clear boundaries with friends and family.

However, people with children who come home from school alone may find the prospect of someone getting locked out quite stressful.

Keyless entry systems are a great home security solution. The base-model keypads use a code to lock and unlock the deadbolt as needed. Of course, choosing the right code is crucial— if your first thought is 1,2,3,4, you’re going to get robbed.

You can also get smart security systems with keyless entry that allow for remote access. If your mom needs to stop in and get something while you’re at work, you can unlock the door from your smartphone. Some systems also allow unique codes or one-time codes for better entry tracking.

Prioritize Daytime Security

Another common mistake homeowners make when considering security is focusing on security at night and being complacent during the daylight hours.

You may be shocked to learn that the majority of break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm when most people are at work or school. Most burglars are opportunists, looking for the opportunity to score some quick cash.

As such, the goal is to avoid potentially violent confrontations with homeowners.

Of course, being present in your home doesn’t mean your house isn’t at risk. People working from home or taking a day off could be at a higher risk of harm, as a burglar might be surprised to find someone at home.

Lock the exterior doors while at home, and consider setting your external alarm.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

Outdated or damaged garage doors are a common target for burglars. If you have a connected garage, this weak point could help them gain access to your home.

If you have a detached garage, they can still use this entry point to gain access to valuable tools and machinery.

If your garage door is worse for wear, replace it with something stronger and more secure. Roller doors are considered the most secure and often include metal pegs along the sides for enhanced security.

This feature prevents someone from using a crowbar to pry open the door, even with a broken lock or gap underneath.

If you use an automatic garage door or door opener, don’t leave them in your car. Instead, carry them in with your keys and ensure everything is locked behind you.

Many modern garage doors have windows to let in extra light. Consider frosting any windows in your garage to prevent passersby from seeing what’s inside.

Use Smart Landscaping

Did you know that your landscaping can increase the likelihood of a break-in? As mentioned previously, burglars typically look for the low-hanging fruit— homes that are easy to break into.

If your yard is obscured from the road by large trees or hedges, or you have bushes underneath windows and surrounding your doors, you’re creating the perfect hiding place.

Take a look at your yard and determine whether a burglar could successfully navigate to your home without detection. Trim back where you can, and use motion sensor lights in dark, shadowy areas.

Invest in Door and Window Jams

One of the most affordable and simple ways to keep your home safe is to invest in door and window jams. These bars fit into sliding doors and windows to prevent someone from opening them far enough to get in.

You can adjust the setting to open your windows for fresh air while still keeping your home secure.

A popularized DIY approach to window jams encourages homeowners to save money by using nails or screws to stop the windows. Do not do this! In the event of a fire, you must be able to quickly remove the jams and get out if doorways are blocked.

Final Thoughts

Home security tends to get put on the back burner until it’s too late. Consider these essential security tips to keep your family and home safe and sound.

Thank you for reading!