There’s good news and bad news about home security today. The bad news is that crime is up and very few neighborhoods are immune. The good news is that there are whole collections of security devices and enhancements today to help protect your home while you’re away.
Here The Intentional Travelers offer a comprehensive list of things to help secure your home on a reasonable budget. We’ll start with door locks.
Door Locks
Make sure your locks and keys are sufficient to protect from forced entry. When selecting house door locks, several factors contribute to their effectiveness and security. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Lock Type:
- Deadbolts: These are the most secure type of locks and should be installed on all exterior doors. They have a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame, making them resistant to forced entry.
- Knob Locks: These are less secure than deadbolts but are commonly used for interior doors. They have a locking mechanism built into the doorknob.
- Smart Locks: These locks use electronic mechanisms and can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or other devices. While convenient, they may be more susceptible to hacking if not properly secured.
2. Lock Material:
- Solid Metal: Locks made of solid metal, such as brass or stainless steel, are more durable and resistant to tampering compared to locks made of weaker materials like plastic or aluminum.
3. Strike Plate:
- The strike plate is the metal plate attached to the door frame where the lock bolt enters. It should be securely fastened with long screws to prevent the door from being forced open.
4. Keyway:
- Look for locks with a narrow keyway, as it makes it more difficult for someone to insert and manipulate tools to pick the lock.
5. Bump-Proof:
- Consider locks that are bump-proof or resistant to lock bumping, a technique where a key is rapidly inserted, tapped and turned to disengage the locking mechanism.
6. Key Control:
- Keep track of your keys and avoid making duplicate keys that could fall into the wrong hands.
7. Door Reinforcement:
- In addition to a strong lock, ensure that the door itself is sturdy and reinforced to prevent forced entry.
8. Door Chains or Security Bars:
• These devices provide an additional layer of security by preventing the door from being opened beyond a certain point, even if the lock is compromised.
Remember, the best security often comes from a combination of different measures, including locks, door reinforcement, window protection and security systems. If you’re unsure about choosing the right locks for your home, talk to your local hardware store or consult with a professional locksmith.
Secure Windows
Protecting your house windows from potential damage is crucial for maintaining the security and aesthetics of your home. Here are some comprehensive tips to help you safeguard your windows:
- Window Security Film: Apply a transparent security film to the interior of your windows. This film helps hold the glass together in case of breakage, preventing shattering and making it more difficult for intruders to gain entry.
- Window Bars: Install metal bars or grilles over your windows, especially those on the ground floor or in vulnerable areas. These bars act as a physical barrier, deterring burglars and providing an additional layer of security.
- Reinforced Glass: Consider replacing your existing windows with reinforced or laminated glass. These types of glass are more resistant to breaking and can withstand significant force.
- Window Locks: Ensure that all your windows have sturdy locks that are difficult to manipulate from the outside. Invest in high-quality locks and keep them well-maintained.
- Smart Home Devices: Install smart home devices like motion sensors or glass break sensors near your windows. These devices can alert you or the authorities in case of any suspicious activity or attempted break-ins.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your windows. Overgrown vegetation can provide cover for burglars and make it easier for them to access your windows.
- Curtains and Blinds: Keep your curtains or blinds closed when you’re away from home or at night. This reduces visibility into your home and discourages potential intruders.
- Window Alarms: Consider installing window alarms that can trigger a loud noise or send an alert to your smartphone when a window is opened unexpectedly.
- Security Cameras: Place security cameras near your windows to deter burglars and capture any suspicious activity.
- Home Security System: If possible, invest in a comprehensive home security system that includes window sensors and motion detectors. This can provide an additional layer of protection for your entire home.
Securing your garage
One area of home vulnerability often overlooked is the garage door. There have also been stories of electronic devices that can capture the signal from a garage door opener or can transmit a series of signals looking for the code. To safeguard against that while traveling today most garage doors have a set of interior bolts that secure the door and prevent it from opening. Another easy way of further securing your garage door is to unplug the motor.
Doorbell Cameras
Ring doorbells are a popular home security device that can help deter crime and keep your home safe. They work by sending a live video feed of your front door to your smartphone or tablet, so you can see who’s there even when you’re not home. Ring doorbells also have a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can talk to visitors and let them know you’re home.
There are many different models of Ring doorbells available, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Some models even have additional features, such as motion detection, night vision, and facial recognition.
Ring doorbells are a great way to improve the security of your home. They’re easy to install and use, and they can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you can always see who’s at your door.
Here are some of the benefits of Ring doorbells:
- They deter crime by making it more difficult for burglars to break into your home.
- They allow you to see who’s at your door even when you’re not home.
- They let you talk to visitors and let them know you’re home.
- They can help you keep an eye on your property and your loved ones.
- They’re easy to install and use.
- They’re affordable.
If you’re looking for a way to improve the security of your home, a Ring doorbell is a popular option.
Shop for Ring Doorbells on Amazon HERE.
An Alarm System
Our choice is one we installed several years ago. We installed a SimplySafe system eight years ago for less than $200 (the basic system is now $289 and includes 3 door/window sensors, 1 room motion detector, an interior keypad and a base station). There are a number of packages available with additions that include breaking glass detector, a leak detector, a wireless key fob and outdoor security devices. The system can be monitored for $30 a month (no contract – start and stop anytime) and includes a phone app that allows you to arm, disarm and monitor it remotely.
The SimplySafe alarm system has received mostly positive reviews from consumers, who praise its ease of use, reliability, and affordability. Overall, the SimplySafe alarm system is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a reliable and affordable home security system on a budget.
Positives Include:
- Easy to use and install
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Variety of features
- Mobile app control and monitoring
- Professional monitoring option ($30 month with no contract)
Shop SimplySafe alarms on Amazon HERE.
The Intentional Travelers 