Home Security 101: More Than Just Locks

Family home. A woman and her daughter looking at a screen on the wall, controls of an entry phone or doorway.
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Thinking about home security and home safety may lead you to think about locks, gates, alarms, and cameras. But there’s so much more to keeping your home safe than just locking the front door. Home security is about creating a healthy, safe environment for you and your family by making sure that every part of your home — inside and out — is secure. Security in your home goes beyond just locking the front door or installing an alarm system. It matters how and when you use them. For instance, it is important to make sure all windows and doors are locked securely when leaving the house even for a short period of time.

Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that your home is safe from intruders as well as accidents and natural disasters. Here are some helpful tips on how to make your home safer:

security camera

Install a Quality Door Lock

The first line of defence against intruders is a quality door lock. While it’s always better to take other home security measures as well, an effective door lock can be the difference between keeping intruders out and keeping your family safe.

Most door locks can be broken or bypassed with enough time and effort. Solid core wood doors, however, can be extremely difficult to break down, making them an excellent choice for home security.

Install a Solid-Metal Door Reinforcement

A solid-metal door reinforcement is another effective security measure you can take to keep intruders out of your home. A reinforced door is built to be incredibly strong and difficult to break down, which can protect both the door itself and the rest of your home. A reinforced door is a great addition to any home, but it is especially important for homes with children, elderly people, or pets. Young children can accidentally open the door and let intruders into the home, and pets can bark or run outside if left unsupervised.

Install Timed Entry Locks

A timed entry lock is a great home security measure for families with small children and/or pets. These locks allow you to regulate who is allowed inside your home and when they can come and go. You can set timed entry locks for specific days of the week and times during the day. Timed entry locks are also a good idea for anyone who travels frequently or has friends or family who need access to their home to drop off or pick up items.

Add Interior Doors

Interior doors can help prevent your children or pets from roaming freely through your house. This can help keep them safe from accidents and injuries while also stopping them from accidentally opening the front door. Interior doors are also good security measures. For example, if you have a home office, it’s a smart idea to have a door separating the office space from the rest of the house. This can help keep papers and important items away from prying eyes.

Add Motion Detecting Lights

Always remember to keep up with maintenance and installation of your lights. Motion-detecting lights can help deter intruders and keep your family safe. When installing motion lights, make sure to position them in a way that does not blind your neighbors or shine into your windows. Also, keep in mind that lights can be turned off in the event of a power outage or if there is a maintenance issue with the lights themselves.

Add an Alarm System and Security Cameras

An alarm system is a great way to deter would-be intruders from entering your home. When choosing a security system, make sure to find one that is easy to use and has the features that are right for your needs. Many alarm systems today can also be paired with security cameras. Security cameras are a great way to monitor your home both inside and out. As we noted in the introduction to this article, it is important to set your alarm even when going out for short trips.

Burglaries regularly happen when the homeowner ducked next door or down the street for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Home security is important for everyone, no matter the size or location of their home. While each home may have different needs and considerations, there are many effective ways to keep your home safe. From simple things like keeping doors and windows locked and installing a quality door lock to more complex additions like an alarm system and security cameras, there are many ways to protect your home and keep you and your loved ones safe. Home security doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little extra effort, you can make your home much safer and keep intruders out. Just remember to keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a much safer home in no time.