5 Ways to Secure Your Home Against Intruders

All of us want to feel safe and secure in our homes. So it’s kind of surprising that so few people take the steps necessary to stop would-be home intruders. Sure, you put a deadbolt on your door, but do you use it consistently? Do you close and lock the windows at night or when you’re out of the house, even the upper floors? And if you’re missing these common-sense basics, what other mistakes are you making when it comes to your home security? Unless you’ve been the victim of a home invasion robbery, you might not be doing all you can to protect your home and your family. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so unless you want to suffer through a burglary before you’re willing to make a change, here are just a few ways you can secure your home against intruders.

1. Close and lock doors and windows. Although locks won’t necessarily stop intruders from coming in, they are your first line of defense. However, they don’t stand a chance of being effective if you fail to use them in the first place. Any time you leave the house, make sure that ALL doors and windows are closed and locked. The same goes for the hours when your family is sleeping.
2. Deadbolts. The average door lock is not designed to resist a concentrated attack, which is why most people also install a deadbolt in the front door. This product is far more resistant to tampering and it can’t be defeated by a credit card slid between door and frame. In addition, anyone trying to kick in the door will find it much harder with an inch of solid steel in the way.
3. Keyless entry. One of the easiest ways for intruders to come in is by strolling through the front door, courtesy of your hide-a-key. Sorry, but that fake rock on your porch isn’t fooling anyone. Rather than expose yourself to possible intrusion, think about leaving a key with your neighbor or even installing a keyless entry that allows you access with a push-button code. If you forget your key, you have to wait for someone to show up with a spare. But if you forget your code you can simply call a family member to get it.
4. Common sense. Using your noggin is the best way to secure your home against an unwanted intruder. And it starts with not giving anyone a reason to come in or a means of doing so. For example, when you go on vacation, don’t announce to anyone and everyone that you’re leaving. This includes your Facebook “friends”. And wait to post pics until you return. Don’t let your mail and newspapers pile up while you’re gone – have them held during your absence. If you buy expensive new toys (TV, computer, etc.) don’t leave the boxes by the curb for anyone to see; break them down and put them in trash bags. And for goodness sake, don’t leave a ladder lying around so that anyone could climb in through the open window on the second floor. With a little common sense on your side your home is bound to be a lot safer.
5. Smart home security system. Average ADT home security alarms are a great way to protect your home from intruders, but you might want to think about upgrading to a system that allows you to remotely control your alarm system from your smartphone or tablet. These systems may also come with controls for your lighting, thermostat, and other electronics in the home. And they’re not only handy for days when you rush out and forget to arm the alarm – they can also be used to make it look like you’re home while you’re off on vacation.