10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home- Decorating a new home is far more fun than setting up security measures. But in this day and age, burglars strike every 30 seconds, so home security should be your top priority. To help you get back to the fun stuff, here are 10 simple security measures you should take as soon as you move into your new home.
10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home
1. Set Up a Security System
A new home should have some form of security system, whether it is a basic DIY system you rigged yourself or one that comes with a professional monitoring and home automation feature. There are plenty of home security options on the market, especially ones that cater to every budget and every level of protection. Choose a system that you are comfortable with, and evaluate the needs of your neighborhood and your house.
Keep these factors in mind as well:
- DIY installation versus professional installation.
- Customer service and brand reputation.
- Smart home capabilities.
- Upfront and monthly costs.
- Extras like smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring.
Some of the best home security systems on the market:
- SimpliSafe– Best home security system of 2022
- Vivint– Best professionally installed home security system of 2022
- Frontpoint– Best DIY system with pro-grade equipment
- Link Interactive– Best for smoke, fire, and CO detection
2. Secure the Doors
Don’t aid a burglar in strolling through your front door. Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong, the hinges are protected, and if your door has a mail slot, it can’t be reached through to access your door lock. If you have moved into a residence that someone else used to call home, change the locks. It is always a comfort to know that strangers out in the world don’t have keys to your home.
Recommended reinforcement to shore up your vital entryway:
- Install a deadbolt.
- Add a strike plate.
- Upgrade to smart locks.
- Boost security with a video doorbell.
- Secure a mail slot.
Some of the best smart doorbells on the market:
- Arlo Video Doorbell– Best overall video doorbell
- Nest Doorbell- Best video doorbell without a subscription
- Ring Video Doorbell– Best high-end doorbell cam
- Wyze Video Doorbell Pro– Best value
- Eufy Security S330 Video Smart Lock– Best video door lock
Reinforce sliding glass doors
Intruders love sliding glass doors, I mean, why wouldn’t they? Easy access to a home? Check. Breakable? Check. You must make sure your glass doors are protected. You can always go old-school and use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep the door from being forced open. But, if it’s a high-tech solution, add a door sensor or glass break sensor. These two things will alert you if the glass door is tampered with, and should hopefully scare off thieves.
3. Lock the Windows
Windows are a common entry point for criminals and can be left shut but unlocked. Manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective, and sometimes can be downright flimsy. If you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with key-operated levers or reinforced window locks.
Other good ideas to help make your windows burglar-proof:
- Reinforce glass with window security film.
- Install window sensors or glass break sensors.
- Add window bars.
- Plant some prickly bushes under first-floor windows.
4. Light Up the Landscape
Vandals, burglars, and other criminals find it uncomfortable and rather inconvenient to be in the spotlight. Keep them all at bay with ample outdoor lighting. Place lights around your front and backyard, along pathways, and near the garage and other outdoor structures. This will help make intruders skittish, and it will aid in cutting down your risk of a stumble on your way up the front steps.
Make outdoor security lights more effective with these tips:
- Use motion-activated lights.
- Save energy with solar-powered lights.
- Use a smart outlet to put outdoor lights on a timer.
- Set up schedules with smart light bulbs.
5. Make Sure to Cover the Basis on the Garage
This is an entry point to your home that is becoming more popular amongst criminals. Even if access to your home is difficult to get to, chances are you have plenty of good stuff stored in your garage. Make it a new habit to lock all doors to the garage, both the interior and exterior. Consider keeping your garage door opener in the house. That way, if a burglar tries to break into your car, it won’t be there. If you use a security code to open the garage, make sure you keep it secret and keep it from entering in front of delivery people, neighbors, or anyone else.
Easy ways to secure the garage:
- Upgrade to a smart garage door opener.
- Cover windows to hide the goodies inside.
- Secure garage doors with extra locks.
- Use home automation and don’t leave the garage door open again.
- Install a driveway alarm.
6. Lock Down your Wi-Fi Network
Home wireless networks are a doorway to your personal and financial information. If you use home automation, it can make your home vulnerable to a break-in. If your Wi-Fi network is connected to smart home gadgets or your personal security system, it can give criminals direct access to your home. Don’t leave yourself or your home vulnerable.
Keep hackers off of your home network:
- Secure your wireless router.
- Enable WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPAZ encryption.
- Rename and hide your home network.
- Use a firewall.
- Install antivirus and anti-malware protection.
- Create a strong password.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN), a great way to secure your internet connection.
For more local information on keeping your home secure, check out our website.
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