With all the excitement of moving into your new home, security is probably the last thing on your mind. However, even the safest neighborhoods experience the occasional break-in. Plus, all those unboxed items are an irresistible target for anyone who’s been casing your home.
Therefore, you must make security a top priority. Within days — or even hours — of moving, it’s wise to employ a few of the following strategies to deter burglars and keep you, your belongings, and your new home safe.
1. Secure Your Doors
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should probably lock your doors. An astonishing 34% of burglars enter through the front door, while another 22% enter from the back. If your doors are impenetrable, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Therefore, you should install a quality lock and deadbolt on exterior doors and small locks on your bedroom and office doors. Otherwise, robbers may find your home very hard to resist.
2. Update Your Garage Door
Another popular entry point for thieves is the garage. Many garage doors are weak and easy to bend or break open. If your door has seen better days — or was made before 1993 — it may be time for an upgrade. Install an automation system so the door always closes after you open it or replace the door completely. Look for ones with Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone monitoring so you can operate it from anywhere for extra security.
3. Install Exterior Lights
Dark, shadowy yards provide plenty of places for a burglar to hide and case your house, especially at night. Therefore, it’s important to install exterior lighting all around your home to ward off intruders. Use motion-sensor lights at entry points and solar-powered lanterns along paths and patios. You might also ask your neighborhood association if the city can install more street lights to protect everyone better.
4. Install an Alarm
A mere 38% of Americans own a home security product like a camera or alarm to deter burglars. Another 3.8% use alternatives like dogs or firearms. The remaining 58.2% of homeowners leave their property more vulnerable to thieves. Don’t be part of the majority here. Install an alarm system to dissuade intruders and catch anyone that does manage to break in. Alarms with sirens can also scare away burglars before they can take anything of value.
5. Protect Your Wi-Fi
It’s easy to forget about digital security when you’re installing locks, lights and alarms. However, internet security is just as important as physical security — if not more so. Odds are you do most of your banking and shopping online. Information like credit card numbers and login credentials are prime targets for hackers. Protect your finances and identity by installing a firewall on your Wi-Fi. Enable WPA2 and give your home network an unhackable password for additional protection.
6. Meet the Neighbors
As effective as home security systems are, neighborhood watch groups are still one of the best ways to prevent crime. Introduce yourself to the neighbors when you move in and get to know everyone on your block. Once you feel that you can trust them, let one or two of your neighbors know your schedule and when you’re going on vacation. That way they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity while you’re away from home.
Making Security a Habit
As you unpack and begin to make your house a home, keep security in mind. You can have all the alarms and lights in the world and still forget to lock the door. Create a daily routine that includes checking locks, closing garage doors and bolting doors. The more you practice securing your home, the more likely you are to make it a habit.
Comments(1)