You have an alarm system, you lock your doors. This is enough to keep your home safe from intruders, right? Well, maybe not. There are major mistakes you may be making when it comes to home security. To find out if your home is wearing a neon sign that says, “Rob Me!” answer the following questions.
Can Burglars See In?
Burglars are more likely to break into a home if they’ve been able to “case” it. If they like what they see, you could be their next target. Simple solution? Curtains. Or blinds. Anything to impede their view into your home. If they can’t get a clear view into your home, they’re likely to move on.
It’s also not a good idea to “advertise” what you have in your home. Computer or TV boxes, for example, should not be left on the curb or in play view. Secure bikes and toys in your garage overnight. Don’t give burglars a reason to test your home security.
Does It Look Like I’m Home (even if I’m not)?
Is it super obvious your house is empty? A dark house is inviting to a burglar. When you’re away, keep some lights on, especially porch lights. If burglars are afraid of being seen by the neighbors, it could deter them. Maybe even leave a radio or TV going to give the impression someone is home. Remember the party Kevin McCallister staged in Home Alone? You don’t have to get that elaborate, but it’s the same basic principle.
Is My Yard Safe?
Yes, your yard.
It may not be the most obvious place to check when considering home security, but tall shrubs can be the perfect hiding place for intruders. Keeping tall trees trimmed can eliminate access to 2nd floor windows and keeping bushes and shrubs trimmed can prevent dark, shadowy, hiding places.
What Kinds of Locks Do I Have?
34% of intruders enter through the front doors, clearly they aren’t being secured properly. Run-of-the-mill door locks aren’t always enough to keep your home protected. While many may recommend deadbolts, chain locks, and alarm systems, the fact is, these can often fall short when it comes to preventing damage to your home.
Though these are all great additions to your home security, there are areas where they lack. Doors with deadbolts can often be kicked in and even when they can’t be opened, the wood can be splintered and costly repairs will be needed for both door and frame. Alarms only alert you once the door has been opened or kicked in, they don’t always deter the actual breaking and entering. The Nightlock Door Barricade is a lock that anchors to the floor and prevents door kick-ins and home invasions. Its unique design holds up when deadbolts and chains fail. The Nightlock door barricade can be an invaluable add-on to your home security system.
Are My Sliding/Patio Doors Secure?
These doors, while a beautiful addition to any home, are popular entry points for burglars yet many people seem to forget about them when considering home security. There are multiple ways to secure your patio doors and if they are made of glass one way is adding an impact prevention shield of some sort. There are multiples brands that can prevent your glass door from being shattered. But, these products don’t guard against kick-ins. This is where Nightlock Patio can add additional protection. This adds more protection than even bar braces or sticks by using the strength of the floor to keep the door secured.