The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time for increased crime rates. So, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your home and belongings. If you want to find out more about creating a safe and secure family home, read on to learn these home security tips for the holidays.
Secure The Doors
Did you know that a lot of burglars will enter a property simply by strolling in through the front door? This is why it’s so important to secure your doors and keep your doors locked at all times, even when you’re in the house. Inspect all your exterior doors and make sure the hinges are protected; the door frames are strong and check the letter box flap to ensure the door can’t be unlocked by someone reaching in through the letter box.
If you are moving into a new home that was previously someone else’s home, change all the exterior door locks. That way, you can rest assured knowing that there aren’t any strangers out there with a copy of your house keys. Plus, this gives you the opportunity to upgrade to much better locks for added security. Below is a list of ideas to help you increase the security of your external doors:
- Add a strike plate
- Install a deadbolt
- Boost the security with a video doorbell
- Upgrade your locks to smart locks
If you have sliding glass doors at your property, it’s important to reinforce these. Intruders love sliding glass doors, so make sure yours are completely protected to the best of your ability. You can choose to go old-school and make use of a window bar or dowel within the track to prevent the door from being able to slide open. If you would prefer something more high-tech, try adding a door sensor or a glass break sensor. The devices will alert you if the door is tampered with in any way, and this should scare away any potential intruders.
Lock Every Window
Windows are also a common entry point for burglars and other intruders. If you’ve recently moved into your property, you may discover that the previous owner has left the windows shut but not locked. It’s important to regularly inspect the windows in your home to ensure they’re not only safe but also locked as well.
What you may not realize is that the manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective, and sometimes they can be quite flimsy. This is why it’s so important to keep your windows properly locked and secured.
If you’re not a big fan of your window latches, you can increase your window security with aftermarket window locks or some key operated levers. Plus, the security doesn’t have to stop there. Below is a list of some more ideas on how to increase the security of your windows:
- Add some window bars
- Reinforce the glass with window security film
- Plant some prickly bushes under the first-floor windows
- Install window or glass break sensors
Light Up the Exterior
Intruders are put off by lights that may make people aware of their presence. One of the best ways in which you can keep intruders at bay is by installing plenty of lighting around the outside of your property.
Place lights around the front of your home, in your back garden, along pathways, and near the garage or any other structures. Not only will this make intruders less likely to invade your space, but you’ll also make your exterior look pretty and cut down on your risk of stumbling on your way up to the front door. You can make your outdoor security lights even more effective by following these tips:
- Use a smart outlet to put your outdoor lights on a timer
- Use motion-activated lights
- Set up light schedules with smart light bulbs
- Save energy by choosing solar-powered lights
Set Up a Security Alarm System
If you want to make your house secure, the best thing you can do is install some kind of security system. You can choose whether you want to install a basic DIY system, or you may choose one that comes with home automation and professional monitoring. There are many options available on the market for home security systems now. These security systems are available to suit every budget and every level of protection.
You should choose a security system that you’re comfortable with. To do this, evaluate the needs of your neighborhood and home. Once you know all the likely risks, you’ll be able to make a better decision on a system that would work for you. When choosing the right home security system, there are several things that you should consider, including the following:
- Are there any upfront or monthly costs involved?
- DIY installation or professional installation?
- Does the system include any smart home capabilities?
- What is the customer service and brand reputation like?
- Does the system include any extras such as smoke or carbon monoxide monitoring?
A security alarm is a great way to help deter potential intruders. Most burglars will avoid houses that clearly have alarm systems in place. If not, the alarm sound when they break in is a sure-fire way to get them running away quickly.
Don’t Forget About the Garage
The garage is another potential entry point where criminals may be able to enter your home. If not, it’s a place where they may be able to break into and steal valuable items from if you do choose to store things in the garage. To help tackle this issue, you should make sure to keep all of the doors to the garage locked at all times. This applies to both interior and exterior entry points. Below is a list of tips on how to secure your garage:
- Install a driveway alarm
- Upgrade to a smart garage door opening system
- Use home automation
- Avoid leaving your garage door open
- Secure all garage doors with extra locks
Lock Down Your Wi-Fi
Your home’s wi-fi system is a doorway to all of your financial and personal information. Also, if you use home automation, it can also make your house more vulnerable to break-ins. If your wi-fi network is connected to any gadgets in your home or your security alarm system, then this could give criminals easy access to your home. If you don’t want to leave yourself vulnerable, follow these tips to keep hackers away from your home’s network:
- Use a firewall
- Secure your wireless router
- Create strong passwords for everything
- Enable WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption
- Hide and rename your home’s network
- Install anti-malware and anti-virus protection
If you’ve got children that use your home’s internet, there are some things you can do to keep them safe from cyber bullies and online predators. Use a parental control app, software package, or router. These tools can help you to enforce device-free dinner times, help you limit screen time, and filter the things that your children can see and do online.
Eliminate Potential Hiding Spaces
Shrubs and trees around your garden can add an aesthetically pleasing look to the exterior of your home, but they can also give burglars and potential intruders a great place to hide. To help with this, ensure that you always trim your trees and bushes down so that they can’t be used for cover. Choose smaller bushes and flowers where you can. If you have any trees near windows, either remove the trees or reinforce the nearby windows for added security. There are some other things that you can do with your outdoor space to make your home a lot safer. These include the following:
- Lock all gates, sheds, and other outdoor buildings
- Avoid tempting thieves by leaving pricey goods on display
- Always put away ladders and stools
- Add security stickers and signs to deter criminals
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras are becoming increasingly popular in homes all over. This security solution works in several ways. First, the cameras will help to deter intruders. Secondly, if your home is broken into, the culprit will be clearly shown on the security footage. You can choose security cameras that are part of a complete home security system, or, alternatively, you can use cameras that work on their own.
No matter which type of camera system you choose, we would recommend choosing a security camera that comes with a mobile app. This allows you to see the footage from your home in real time, and you can store the footage on your phone or another device if you ever need to go to the police. Below are some other great extras that you can look out for when it comes to choosing security cameras:
- Motion detection
- Weatherproof casing on outdoor cameras
- Night vision viewing
- Local or cloud storage options
- Wi-fi capabilities
- Two-way talking features
Invest In a Safe
If someone can get past your other security measures, it’s important to ensure that your most valuable items remain protected. A safe is a secure depository where you can place anything that holds value, whether it be jewelry, vital documents, cash, or passports. You want to choose a safe that is waterproof, fire-resistant, and heavy enough so that a thief can’t simply pick the safe up and run off with it. Follow the tips below to get the most protection from a safe:
- Choose the right size of safe to suit your needs, depending on the items that you want to protect
- Look out for safes that have redundant locks (two locks on one safe)
- Decide whether you want a built-in safe or a portable safe
Use Home Automation
If you’ve ever thought about turning your regular home into a smart home, then now may be the time. Smart home technology is great when it comes to adding security to your home. Home automation can provide you with remote or scheduled control of your door locks, lights, smoke alarms, cameras, and any other safety devices. You can also get real-time updates about suspicious activity in and around your home so you can respond quickly and deter potential thieves. Below is a list of some of the best ways that you can use home automation to increase the security of your home:
- Check up on your smoke or other types of alarms and cancel any false alarms from your smartphone
- Schedule your lights, TV and other items to turn on or off when you’re away from home
- Get instant video feeds whenever someone walks up to your driveway
- Use two-way talk through a smart doorbell to scare away potential intruders
You can also get free security alerts through a smart speaker. If you have an Echo smart speaker, this can be a great security helper, and you can use it for free. Alexa Guard listens out for sounds of a break-in and can send you alters or trigger a smart routine to make intruders think there is someone at home.
Prevent Potential House Fires
There are several things that you can do to help protect your family home from fires. Look at the following tips for more information:
- Purchase new fire extinguishers if necessary
- Inspect the current fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly
- Hire a professional chimney inspector to perform yearly checks on your fireplace and chimney
- Install new fire detectors where necessary
- Check the expiration date and charge on any current fire extinguishers
- Purchase additional fire security items, such as a fire blanket
- Inspect and plan an escape route to ensure you and your family know what to do in the event of a fire
- Have your electrics checked regularly to ensure everything is safe and as it should be
Home Security Checklist
If you are new to home security and want to ensure that everything is as safe and secure as possible, there are many things that you can do. Below is a list of the things that you can do room by room to ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible.
Kitchen
- Inspect and clean appliances
- Check over and clean the range hood
- Clean all coils and vents
- Check and replace water filters
- Ensure circuits are overloaded to prevent potential electrical fires
- Inspect drains
- Install safety latches or locks on cabinets
- Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Put up an emergency contact list on the fridge
Bathroom
- Check all pipes for leaks and clogs
- Test all taps and toilets
- Test and clean the showerhead
- Check all sealants and caulking for proper seals
- Be aware of the location of the main shut-off valve
- Purchase and store a first-aid kit
- Secure all medications
- Use non-slip mats and grab bars to prevent falls
- Inspect all areas for mold
Hallway
- Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Add nightlights with motion sensors
- Secure all rugs with adhesive tape or non-skid mats
Living Spaces and Bedroom
- Create an emergency plan
- Hire a chimney sweep
- Repair any damage to walls
- Check for lead-based paint (particularly in older homes)
- Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Get a fireproof safe
- Check all outlet covers and switch plates
Basement
- Find and label your main breakers, circuit panels, and electrical system
- Inspect and maintain the boiler and water heater
- Clean air ducts and vents
- Change all air filters
- Add non-slip tape to stairs
- Secure all handrails
- Add appropriate lighting
- Check window and door locks
- Check for drafts and seal areas
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Look for damage to foundations or signs of flooding
Garage
- Invest in an automatic door system
- Secure all garage doors with extra locks
- Install some motion-activated lights
- Cover any windows with blinds or curtains
Outdoor
- If moving into a new home, change all the locks
- Inspect the roof and keep up to date with repair work
- Add security lighting
- Ensure the gates are in good working order
- Ensure gates have appropriate locks
- Repair any exterior damage
- Inspect the rain gutters
- Prune and trim all plants and trees regularly
- Secure all entrances
- Check for cracks
- Lock up any hazardous materials
- Make the house number visible
- Secure and lock away all tools
Final Thoughts
Figuring out the best ways to make your home safe and secure shouldn’t be a chore. The tips in this article should help you get started. You don’t have to do all of these at once. Take some time to figure out which strategies are most important to you, and then make a plan to add the rest at a later date. Being aware of any potential safety and security risks and taking action early is the best way to help keep you, your family, and your possessions safe.