5 Home Security Tips for Cautious Homeowners

Before you start decorating your new home and planning a housewarming party, it’s vital to make sure your home is secure from theft and other dangers. Brand new homeowners are especially vulnerable to security risks. Plan ahead with these five home security tips for cautious homeowners who put safety first.

1. Meet your neighbors.
Brand new homeowners should introduce themselves to their neighbors and get to know them. Talking to your neighbors about crime and safety will give you a sense of the security you might need in your home. If you’re able to get involved with your neighborhood watch program, do it. Create a game that involves assessing how burglars might enter each home in the neighborhood. That’s a great way to spot security flaws.

2. Identify your weak spots.
After you’ve moved into your new home, check out the home’s entry points and figure out if there are any outdated or broken locks. If you need to update your locks, consider electronic door locks that open with personalized key codes. Don’t forget that you need locks for your windows, doors, and garage. If you don’t make a point to figure out your home’s weak spots, someone else might do it for you.

3. Get familiar with your local emergency services.
Once you know what sort of crime occurs in your neighborhood, get familiar with the location of emergency services. This will help you come up with a safety plan. If you get involved with your neighborhood watch program, make sure you know what to do if you spot suspicious activity.

4. Focus on prevention.
If you don’t invest in a home security system, you can still address specific issues. Don’t showcase any valuables through your windows. Add secondary blocking devices to sliding glass doors and windows to prevent forced entry. Secure your garage with a door that can be controlled remotely with an app on your phone. That way, if you forget to close it, you can do so without having to backtrack to your house. Lastly, be mindful of the people who enter your home, like delivery people and contractors. Once they’re inside, they can scope out what’s worth stealing.

5. Find a provider.
Figure out your family’s specific needs for a security system, and find a provider you feel comfortable working with. Maybe you want monitoring in real-time, or maybe you just want a motion-sensing camera. Either way, a good provider will help you choose the best plan of action for your home.