Here are 8 simple ways to keep your home safe

by Anoop Rawat Author

No matter where you live or at what time of year, keeping your home safe is always a priority. With that said, spring cleaning is just around the corner, which can be a great opportunity to make sure your home security measures are working properly (or put in new measures). Here's what you need to know about keeping your home safe.

Why do you care about home security?

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program 2018 (most recent full report available), 1,230,149 burglaries are estimated, accounting for 17.1% of all property crimes.

While this may seem like too much theft (and it is), the good news is that home theft is actually decreasing. Burglary declined 11.9% year-on-year from 2017 to 2018. In a broader sense, from 2009 to 2018, domestic theft decreased by 44.2%!

8 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Safe

Invest in a home security system

Close windows and doors

Install outdoor lighting

Clean the yard and driveway

Compile the items carefully

Do not forget to store the garage

Lockdown your wi-fi network

Do not broadcast as you go

1. Invest in a home security system

The best way to ensure your home is properly protected from thieves is to invest in a home security system. Not only does having a home security system give you peace of mind, but now most people come with additional home automation features. Forgot to lock the front door? Even if you're miles away, you can use your home security app and smart lock to make sure your home is safe.

Even if you don’t want to add home security to your monthly bills list, there are actually a lot of affordable options out there. Some inexpensive home security systems offer professional monitoring for up to 8- $ 10 / mo. Or you can consider installing your own DIY home security system.

2. Close windows and doors

It should go without saying, but always close your windows and doors when leaving the house or at night. Taking the time to double check your doors and windows will not only protect your home from potential dangers, it will also give you peace of mind.

According to the FBI, more than half of thefts (56.7% accurate) were reported in 2018. Closing your windows and doors can make it difficult for bad people to get in and provide another layer of protection if you trigger a home alarm system.

Some quick ways to increase your security include installing a deadbowl, adding a strike plate, upgrading smart locks and a video doorbell, adding a glass break sensor, and strengthening windows with a security picture.

3. Install external lighting

Dark from home, entice intruders. Security lighting around your home will make your home more attractive to thieves. You want to make sure that all the blind spots around your home are covered with security lighting, so be sure to light the back and front of your home too. Motion sensor lights are great for home security because intruders are more likely to walk if the light is turned on to turn off their speed.

4. Clean the yard and driveway

Whether you're doing yard work, biking around the neighborhood, sledding, or playing with the new outdoor toys you've got for Christmas, you're likely to get your tools or toys back.

To protect your belongings from theft, do not forget to bring them back inside or lock them in your garage or shed. Thieves look for valuable yard equipment.

5. Look carefully at the items

The way thieves hand out expensive yard equipment or a new bike signals that you have some stolen value, it's also important to keep an eye on indoor valuables. Thieves may first try to see if there is some value in their home, so it is important that you have good anonymity (and avoid the usual ones) for valuables.

Additionally, think about what you are throwing. If you buy a new, extra-large 4K TV, don't leave the box in the trash can for everyone to see - and you'll need some fancy airplay.

6. Don't forget to store the garage

Even if you have an attached or detached garage, you still need to follow home security best practices to keep your belongings in the garage. Consider getting a home security system that extends to your garage, adding lighting, installing shutters, investing in additional locks, and more, just like you do for your home.

7. Lockdown is your Wi-Fi network

Home security now moves beyond the physical objects of your home, especially with the rise of home automation. Hacked smart home gadgets connected to your home's Wi-Fi network, and then give criminals direct access to your Wi-Fi connected home security system. Securing your Wi-Fi network with encryption and a strong password is one of the best ways to ensure that you don't get hacked.

Don't broadcast when you're gone

When you're not at home, don't make it easy for thieves by telling them this. If you are going for a long weekend or extended family vacation, keep your home safe by turning on your security alarm system and locking all doors and windows.

You may want to have an extra car in your house to schedule some lights to go overnight so you can stay indoors or use a timer. And if possible, it is advisable to check with your neighbor or friend some time at your home as you go.

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