Ensure your household’s safety and security with the following home security measures. Bonus: Some home security products like alarm systems and motion-activated doorbells may make you eligible for homeowners or renters insurance discounts. Contact your independent insurance agent to see if you would qualify.
Reinforce Entry Points
The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends installing either steel or wood entry doors that are, at minimum, one-and-three quarters inches thick. Combine with a pick-resistant deadbolt. Windows can be secured with key locks or metal security bars. The latter can add extra protection to sliding patio doors as well. Tip: Never leave your garage opener or keys in an unattended vehicle or “hidden” location.
Protect Your Packages
The convenience of home delivery has made online shopping increasingly popular – especially around the holidays. In recent years, however, packages left on doorsteps have proved too great a temptation for thieves. In fact, according to Ring, 23 million Americans had a package stolen from their home in 2015.
Ring suggests shipping packages to another location, such as an Amazon locker, or having the delivery company hold them as well as requiring a signature or requesting a text when a delivery has been made. Another option is to install motion-activated security cameras around your home to monitor activity even when you’re away from home.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors can prove invaluable. Neighbors can contact you, and you them, if anything out-of-the-ordinary happens in the community. They can also check up on the exterior of your home when you go on vacation. Introduce yourself by joining a neighborhood watch or hosting/attending a street party. Joining an online social network like Nextdoor for your neighborhood is another great resource.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Install motion-activated LED security lights around your property to deter intruders who are generally attracted to dark houses. Spotlights designed to detect motion can be purchased at local home improvement stores or online for under $50. Security lights with built-in cameras are now available as well. You may also want to consider eliminating potential hiding spots by trimming your landscaping.
