4 Simple Home Security Hacks

Locking the doors at night just doesn’t cut it anymore when it comes to protecting yourself and your family. The fear of a home robbery causes countless homeowners to invest in the latest technology to keep their home safe. Regardless of whether you have a home security system or not, there are a few simple things you can do to help protect your home, your property, and your life. Ready to learn what you can do to keep your home safe?

Be Clever with Your Spare Keys

It’s common for people to hide their spare keys somewhere on their property. Criminals have also picked up on this habit, and if they have selected your home as a target, they will observe you over a brief period to notice where you hide it. Your best bet is to hide it in the most inconspicuous of places more than 50 feet from your home and/or in a coded key vault (like real estate agents use). Doing anything different is a recipe for disaster.

Create a Protective Barrier

Make your landscaping work as part of your home security strategy by planting some prickly shrubbery directly under your windows. Plants like holly, thistles, rugosa rosebushes, bougainvillea, and blackberry vines are enough to keep criminals away. Your first thought might be that these plants would hurt the aesthetics of your yard, but don’t worry! Many of these plants can be brilliantly maintained and look sharp while maximizing the security of your home.

What a Bright Idea!

Dark areas around your home are ideal for criminal activity to take place. Increase your odds of never having a break-in by strategically bringing more illumination to your home’s exterior. Motion sensors are a smart choice as they add an element of surprise and are effective at lighting up large areas. Key areas to illuminate are regions that could potentially be broken into or areas you or other family members frequently venture after dark.

Strengthen Your Door

Criminals prefer to target your doors to enter your house. A trip to your local hardware store can easily change that. Investing in a steel core door and a steel door frame instead of the standard wooden door and frame is a good start. Replacing your regular lock with long-throw deadbolts and installing multiple locks at different heights will also keep your door secure. Products like fortified strike plates will also help with reinforcing your door.

Whether you are looking to complement your current security system or increase home protection on a budget, these simple tips will give you the peace of mind you need.