As a homeowner, one of your top priorities should be keeping your home safe and secure. While there are many sophisticated home security systems on the market, they can be costly and complex to install. Fortunately, there are several simple and affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) measures you can take to significantly improve your home’s security.
The first line of defense against intruders is your home’s exterior. Ensure all doors, including the garage door, are made of solid wood or metal and are secured with heavy-duty deadbolt locks. Windows should be reinforced with strong latches or security glazing, and consider adding security film to prevent smash-and-grab burglaries. Motion-activated floodlights around the perimeter of your home can deter potential intruders, as no burglar wants to be spotlighted during a break-in.
Surveillance cameras have become increasingly affordable and easy to install. Place cameras strategically around your property, focusing on potential entry points such as doors and first-floor windows. Look for cameras with motion detection and night vision capabilities, and consider subscribing to a cloud storage service to save footage for future reference.
Another layer of protection is a security alarm system. Modern DIY wireless systems are easy to install and can be customized to fit your needs. Place sensors on doors and windows, and consider using glass break detectors and motion sensors for added security. You can choose to monitor the system yourself or pay a small fee to have a professional monitoring service respond to any alerts.
Don’t forget to secure your home’s wireless network. A common mistake is to leave your Wi-Fi router unsecured or use the default password. Change the administrator password and update the SSID name to something unique. Enable WPA2 encryption and regularly update your router’s firmware to ensure your network remains secure.
Simple preventative measures can also deter burglars. Ensure valuable items like laptops and jewelry are out of sight and consider etching your driver’s license number on electronics to identify them if they’re stolen. Maintain your yard to reduce potential hiding spots, and get to know your neighbors so they can keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
When going on vacation, take steps to make your home look occupied. Use smart light bulbs that can be controlled remotely or set to a timer, and ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers. Avoid broadcasting your travel plans on social media, as this can tip off potential thieves.
Finally, invest in a safe to secure your most valuable possessions and important documents. Bolt the safe to the floor or wall, making it difficult for thieves to remove. Remember, a safe is only as good as its hiding place, so be discreet. By implementing these simple DIY home security measures, you can significantly improve the protection of your home and deter potential intruders.