Simple Ways to Keep your New Home Secure

If you have recently bought a new home then you need to take steps to try and step up your home security measures. You have to make sure that you are doing everything you can to invest in professional monitoring features and you also need to look into things like home automation too. Nowadays, there are a wealth of features for you to choose from, so try and keep that in mind if you want to make the most out of your system.

Know the Risks

The first thing you need to do is understand the risks. You need to know what area you are moving into and you also need to know the vulnerabilities of your home. If you can do this then you will find it easier for you to protect your home in the best way you can. If you can you need to check to see if your door is secure and if there is anything you can do to try and make them more so. If you are moving to a property that somebody else used to live in then the best thing you can do is change the locks too. This way you won’t have people out there who have a key to your property. You can also make sure that your home has the best lock on the market, which is so important.

Other things you can do include installing a strike plate as well as upgrading to some smart locks. It may also benefit you to boost security by installing a video doorbell of some kind. If you haven’t done so already, secure the mailslot and if you have sliding glass doors, take the time to secure those too. Intruders often love sliding doors as they are easy to gain access to. Of course, if you want a higher-tech solution then one thing you might want to do is try and go old-school and invest in a window bar. You can also use a dowel on the track so you can stop the door or window from being forced open. If you add a door sensor or even a glass break sensor, this will help you out too, so try and keep that in mind.

Lock the Windows or Upgrade your Locks

Windows are a very common entry point for criminals and opportunistic burglars. If you leave them shut then this is great but if you leave them unlocked then this is a major hazard. On top of this, manufacturer latches on windows are never the best. Sometimes they are flimsy too, which is the last thing you need. If you don’t like how your latches look or if you do not feel s though they are very secure then one thing you can do is try and invest in an aftermarket window lock. You can also get a key-operated lever if you want. Your security choices don’t end there though. You can also invest in some window security film or even some window bars. If you have a bit of an outdoor area then you can consider growing some thorny bushes so you can keep everything nice and secure.

Light the Landscape to Stop Opportunistic Criminals 

Vandals, burglars, and various other criminals don’t like to be seen. If you want to do your bit to secure your home then try and keep them at bay by investing in some outdoor lighting. You can also place lights around your backyard and your front, aligning with the pathways. You can put them near the garage too, as this will make intruders think twice about breaking into your home. You will also be able to keep yourself safe when you make your way up the front steps to your home. If you can, you also need to use motion-activated lights and even invest in solar power if you want to save money. You can set up schedules too so if you know that you are going to be away for a holiday or vacation.

Don’t Forget the Garage or Outhouse 

If you can, it’s a good idea for you to make sure that you don’t forget about your garage. This entry point is becoming popular with criminals as time goes on. Even if they cannot access your home through the garage, you may have a lot of good stuff stored in there that you probably don’t want people to access. Make it a habit and lock all of your doors, including the exterior. You may also want to consider keeping your garage door opener in the house at all times. If you use a security code to open the garage then make sure that you keep it a secret and never enter it in front of any people who are making deliveries. If you want to be extra secure then make sure that you don’t use it in front of your neighbors too. If you can do this, you will soon find it is easier for you to keep your home secure. If you want to protect your home even more then one thing you can do is invest in some electric gates. If you have an electric gate that needs repairing then you must get that sorted too. If you can do this then you can keep people away from your home and you can also give yourself an extra line of defense, which is always a good thing.

Lock down your WiFi Connection

Your wireless network is a doorway to all of your personal information. It is also a gateway to your financial information. If you use home automation then it can make your home very vulnerable to things like break-ins. If you want to do something about this then make sure that you take the time to secure your connection and that you also enable WPA. Use a firewall and be sure to use a strong password. If you can use a  VPN then this is also a good way for you to secure your connection. If you have little kids then there is a high chance that they are going to be going online for homework, or even for a bit of fun. Using a parental control app is one of the best things you can do here, as these tools help you to limit screen time.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Trees and shrubs may give your home a bit of extra curb appeal but at the end of the day, they can also give burglars a very good hiding place. If you want to help yourself here then one thing you need to do is trim down trees and any plants that people may be able to use for cover. If you have trees near windows then you need to remove them or even reinforce them so you can get extra security. Don’t neglect your home’s exterior either. Always put away any ladders or stools and take the time to lock your gates and sheds. Don’t even think about tempting thieves by leaving your pricey goods on display and adding a security sign or sticker if you do not have a security system.

So as you can see, it’s very easy for you to keep your home secure and if you follow this guide, you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to not only get the result you want. You may also find that your home insurance becomes cheaper, which is always a good thing.