Home Security – Protect Your Family and Your Wallet

When it comes to home security, there are several things the average person can do that have big impacts without a large expense. Sure, elaborate camera and alarm systems are cool and all. But not everyone has the budget for those sorts of things.

There’s an old joke about two hunters coming across an angry bear. One of them stops to change into running shoes. The other hunter tells him that he’ll never outrun the bear. The guy replies, “I only need to outrun you.” It’s not a direct analogy to home security, but it’s within the ballpark. You don’t need to make your home impregnable. You need to make it a harder target than the homes around you.

With that in mind, here are some easy home security improvements.

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Nighttime Illumination Considerations

Motion-activated exterior lights can go a long way toward keeping ne’er-do-wells from your front porch or back door. Thieves don’t want to be seen. Think of these lights as an early warning system, too. If you notice one turns on, look out the window to see what caused it. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on these lights, either. Many of them are very affordable. Check for ones that are solar powered, so you don’t need to run wiring.

While we’re on the subject of lighting and home security, here’s a quick experiment to try. My wife and I go walking around the neighborhood at night from time to time, as it’s quiet and peaceful. Residents might be surprised to learn just how much is visible at night from the sidewalk or road when curtains are left open.

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Well after sundown, turn on the lights that are normally on in your home during evening hours. Then, go outside and walk around the house to see what you can see. While you’re out there, use your phone to call someone in the house and see if they can spot you outside. Use that data to inform the location and type of exterior lighting you install.

Strengthening Doors

There’s often a tradeoff between home security, convenience, and aesthetics. Few people want to live in a bunker. You need to find an acceptable balance. One way to do that is with hidden improvements. For example, hinges are often installed with very short screws. This means the door is potentially vulnerable to even moderate force being applied. Swap out those screws for ones long enough to get to the framework, say three inches or so.

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Every exterior door should have a locking knob as well as a deadbolt. The bolt should extend into the doorframe at least one full inch. Keep in mind that the best locks in the world are pointless if you’re not actually using them. Lock the doors when you leave the house, as well as when you turn in for the night.

Reduce Temptation

There is little sense in calling attention to yourself and making your home look even more appealing to a potential thief. For example, don’t openly discard empty boxes from high-end purchases. Slice them up and hide them in your recycling bin.

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Make sure your vehicles are locked at night. Often, a pair or small group of thieves will go down a street in the middle of the night, trying doors on every vehicle they come across. When they find one unlocked, they’ll steal whatever they can from inside.