The new year: the ideal time to take a look at your home security. It feels good to start in 2021, knowing that our homes and families are safe and secure.
The safety of your home might not be something that comes to mind straight away when making resolutions. Many of us are still in the clutches of winter, with dark and cold nights looming. While it’s a perfect time to make the most of hot drinks and books in front of roaring fires, no-one wants that tarnished with the stress of old locks and security systems.
Image via Max Pixels: CC0 License
Here are some simple ways to update your home security to feel comfortable in your home through winter, and the new year ahead.
1. Secure Doors And Windows
Your front door is the most popular way for unwanted visitors to enter. So even though making sure your front door is secure seems almost too simple, it’s the most essential thing on this list.
Thankfully, it won’t take much effort for you to ensure the frame is strong and the locks are working. You can consider adding in a deadbolt for extra security, or a video doorbell, so you know who’s wanting to enter. If you’re relocating into a new home, it’s a great time to change the locks. That way you know the locks you put in are top of the line.
Don’t forget your windows! The latches on windows aren’t always the most secure – if the windows are old, they’ll be even more flimsy. You can ramp up window security pretty easy with some new latches.
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2. Light It Up
Suppose someone’s sneaking onto your property when they shouldn’t be. In that case, they aren’t going to appreciate being in the spotlight when your outdoor floodlights activate. This makes ample outdoor lighting another straightforward way to make your house safer by making it less appealing to burglars.
Make sure to have lighting cover front and back yards and entry points like the front door and garage. Solar lights are brilliant as they provide just as much coverage while saving you some pennies. If you’re going for something more high tech or mains connected, make sure to hire an experienced electrician. It pays to get them installed properly – plus, expert electricians can give great advice when it comes to choosing the nest product for your needs.
3. Top Notch Security
Whether your home is new or old, it’ll most likely already have some sort of security system in place. It’s worth taking the opportunity to see if it really gives your home enough protection. There are plenty on options out there when it comes to home security systems. The sheer variety of them means you can choose something that will meet your needs, and tech level, exactly.
Consider whether you want to install yourself. If you’d prefer a professional installation, it can change what system’s right for you. Most importantly, choose something you’re truly comfortable with. You’ll be the one using it after all!
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4. Get A Safe
Again, this seems pretty simple! But that’s exactly what this list is about – straight forward, easy options for you to feel safer at home. If the worst happens and someone unwanted manages to get inside your home, having a safe will mean those things most valuable to you are protected.
Like all of these suggestions – choose something that fits your life. Think about what’s important to you and the space you’ll need to protect it. Whatever option you go for, there are 3 things you’ll want to look for. Whether the safe is fireproof, waterproof and heavy enough that it can’t just be picked up and walked away with!
5. Be Concious
Some of these suggestions might be a little on the expensive side. So if you’re strapped for cash, the best thing you can do is be conscious of your home and surroundings. Knowing every little nook of your home and property leaves you in a better place to protect it.
Check the perimeter in the evenings, check windows and doors are locked before leaving and know every inch of your property. Most importantly, though, get to know your neighbours! Even if your neighbours aren’t close, they are an invaluable tool for looking out for your home when you’re not around. Plus, it helps build a real sense of community and belonging, which is wonderful to encourage!
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Hopefully, you’ve been empowered to make positive home safety decisions. There’s a little something for everyone, and you can take out as much or as little from it as needed. Here’s to a bright, healthy and safe new year.
** This was a contributed post.
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