Sifting through fabric samples and shopping for a new couch are much more fun than setting up security measures in a new home—but protecting your family and property should take top priority.
From simple habits to sophisticated security systems, there are a number of steps you can take to enhance your home’s safety. A few of our top tips are below:
1. Use Deadbolts on Exterior Doors
A surprising amount of criminals (roughly 30%!) simply stroll through an unlocked door*. One of the most simple, most effective ways you can increase your home’s security is by remembering to lock your doors—no reason to make it any easier on the bad guy, after all!
Install deadbolts on all exterior doors, ensuring that they are high quality and installed properly. Save money elsewhere; this is not the place to skimp. If you’re moving into a place that had a previous resident, change the locks as soon as possible.
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2. Secure Pet Doors
If you have furry friends in the home, it’s critical to ensure your pet door isn’t compromising your home’s security. Some burglars may try and attempt to reach through the pet door to unlock your deadbolt, or even squeeze themselves through.
You want your pets to come and go as they please, but don’t forget to opt for and use a pet door with a locking mechanism. Installing motion sensor lights in the area near the pet door is a smart choice, as is choosing a discreet location (like behind vegetation) that isn’t easily visible from the road. Pet barriers are also a good option if you’re home most of the day. Find more ideas by reading through our top tips for keeping your pet door secure.
3. Consider Fire-Rated Doors
A fire-rated door is one of those things you hope to never need, but are really glad to have in the rare event that you DO need it. The idea behind fire-rated doors is that they can provide two benefits: either isolating you from the fire until help arrives if it’s on the outside of the door, or by slowing the spread of the fire to other areas of your home if it’s on the inside of the door.
These doors are designed to resist fire and smoke, giving you extra time to evacuate in case of a fire. And, they are often created to look normal, so there’s no aesthetic downside. However to be effective, fire-rated doors need to be installed properly and closed during a fire event. If either of those requirements don’t suit your situation, you likely don’t need these doors. Consider your unique home layout and lifestyle, and read through this blog post for deeper insight on the subject.
4. Set Up A Security System
Setting up a security system is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your home and be alerted to potential threats. There are a wide range of choices available on the market today with options for every budget. From surveillance cameras and motion detectors, to remote, cloud-based monitoring, you can choose what best suits your needs and budget.
For some, a DIY approach with a one-time equipment cost is the right route, while others feel better with a robust system that comes with an ongoing monthly fee. Interestingly, simply having a camera in place—or a sign signifying that you do—is sometimes enough to deter burglars from even trying.
5. Make Sure Your Exterior Doors Are Sturdy
Keeping your home safe is sometimes as easy as making sure your exterior doors are sturdy. Mold, mildew, dirt, debris, and weather all take a toll on exterior doors over time, and regularly inspecting your own is a good way to stay ahead of rot and damage.
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Additionally, ensure that all hinges are on the inside of the door and that they are reinforced with strong screws. Reinforcing the strike plate with long screws can also provide added protection.
6. Don't Forget the Garage
Garages are becoming a more common point of entry for burglars. Always ensure you are locking all garage doors—and especially the one leading into the house from the garage. Consider keeping your garage opener in the house instead of in your car, so that thieves cannot break into your car and use it to gain access into your garage or house. If you use a key code to access your garage, don’t enter it in front of friends, delivery drivers, or anyone else.
7. Light the Way
Another easy, cost-effective way to deter burglars is to keep the porch light on. It may result in more bugs piling up on your porch, but criminals don’t want to be in the spotlight. The same is true all over the landscape—light up your pathways, backyard, and outdoor structures for enhanced security.
By following these steps, you can feel confident that you’re giving home security your best effort. Remember: It’s an ongoing process. Make it an annual routine to review and update your home security measures. Don’t try and attempt doing it all at once, but make a plan and tackle it one step at a time.
If a new door is part of your plan for enhanced home security, find a style that perfectly suits your house—we have exterior doors for every home style.
*Source: Home Security 101: Preventing Break-Ins, StaySafe.org, accessed Jul 25, 2024.