Make Your Home Safer with These Home Security Tips
Home security can evoke a range of emotions for different people. While many parents are proactive about keeping their children safe online, they often assume that living in a "nice neighborhood" means they are immune to crime. Others may feel overwhelmed by the thought of improving their home's security, not knowing where to begin. Some even believe that taking responsibility for their family's safety at home is unnecessary.
However, regardless of how safe you feel, it's crucial not to take your home's security for granted. Now, let's explore simple and effective ways to upgrade your home security.
Take Ownership of Your Home's Security
The first step to better home security is taking responsibility. The safety of your home is ultimately in your hands. While the police will respond when called, they prefer that homeowners take preventive measures to deter crime. Many home break-ins are entirely preventable with a bit of effort and awareness.
Start with the Basics: Lock Your Doors
It may seem obvious, but ensuring that doors are locked is a fundamental step. Ask yourself:
Does everyone in your home know to keep doors locked when inside?
Is the garage door frequently left open?
Do children remember to lock doors when coming and going?
According to FBI statistics, the most common entry point for burglars is the front door. Creating a "door-locking culture" in your home means ensuring everyone understands that doors should always be locked when not in active use.
Upgrade Your Front Door Security
One of the best upgrades for your front door is adding a secondary lock. A FlipLok is a highly recommended option, offering up to 1,300 pounds of resistance. This device can significantly slow down an intruder, giving you time to respond and potentially deterring them altogether. Investing in a FlipLok is a proactive step in fortifying your home. By using the code SECUREDAD at check out, you can receive 20% off your entire order.
Improve Your Home's Exterior Lighting
Home security begins at the street level. A well-lit property sends a clear message to potential intruders that your home is a hard target. Consider the following lighting upgrades:
Porch Lights: Use dawn-to-dusk bulbs to ensure your front entrance remains illuminated.
Motion-Activated Floodlights: Install these around your home’s perimeter to deter suspicious activity.
Security Camera Floodlights: Brands like Blink and Ring offer combination units that provide both surveillance and lighting for added protection.
Stay Informed About Your Neighborhood
Awareness is key to home security. While you may not want to engage in neighborhood chats or Facebook groups, these platforms can provide valuable insights into suspicious activity and trends in your area. Staying informed allows you to take proactive measures to protect your home.
Invest in Security Cameras Wisely
Video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular, with an estimated 20 million units installed across the U.S. However, they should not be your only line of defense. Consider expanding your camera system to cover all external doors, the garage, and the front yard. Avoid placing cameras inside your home to maintain privacy and a comfortable living environment.
Make Home Security a Family Responsibility
Home security should be a shared responsibility within the household. Everyone, including children, can play a role. Even a 5-year-old can learn to lock the door or remind parents to set the alarm. When discussed in a positive way, security habits become a normal part of daily life, ensuring children carry these practices into adulthood.
Additional Home Security Resources
If you're looking to further enhance your home's security, consider these helpful resources:
Home Security: The Secure Dad’s Guide – My best-selling book offering a comprehensive layered defense strategy: Discipline, Deter, Fortify, and Defend.
First-Time Homeowner's Guide – Essential security tips for new homeowners.
The Secure Dad Family Home Security Assessment – A 12-page checklist to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your home.
By taking ownership and implementing these simple security measures, you can create a safer environment for your family. Remember, home security is an ongoing process that requires attention, effort, and commitment from everyone in your household.
