Your home is, hopefully, one of the most sacred spaces in your life. From the cosy bed you retire to every night for a good night’s sleep to your favourite sofa or chair where you go to relax and watch your newest Netflix obsession, your home is a special place intended just for you and your family. The last thing you want is for the place you call home to be threatened by a burglar or a break-in.
But instead of worrying about all the negative possibilities, you can calm your mind by being proactive about securing your home. Read on to see how we break down seven easy ways to ensure your household continues to be a safe, protected place.
Be friendly with your neighbours
This first step is super easy — and better yet, it is completely free! One of the best ways to maintain a safe home for yourself and your family is simply to become friends with your neighbours. By doing this, you will automatically have a built-in watchful eye looking out for your home, especially when you are out of town or on vacation.
If your neighbour happens to observe any strange or out-of-the-ordinary behaviour, they will easily be able to get in touch with you or the police, if needed.
Consider your landscaping
Landscaping has a surprising effect on your home’s safety. If your front lawn features any high bushes or other greenery, this could serve as the perfect place for a burglar to hide and go undetected, especially in the evening hours.
To prevent this, examine your home for any tall shrubs, especially near doors or windows. Cutting down on some of these will help open up the space and establish a clearer line of vision, day or night.
Let there be light!
It is always a good idea to have your exterior outfitted with proper lighting. This can mean simple side lighting near your garage door, walkway lighting on the path up to your front door or even automatic lighting that turns on after it detects a certain amount of movement.
Whatever your preference, make sure your outside space is well-lit to deter any potential burglars from getting too close.
Window coverings for the win
Typically, a potential burglar is looking for expensive material possessions inside your home like a flat-screen TV or some jewellery. To maintain privacy, window coverings are a great option for discreetness and protection. This option is surprisingly affordable — plus, a potential intruder won’t be able to scope out what’s inside your home during the day or when you are away.
Lock your windows
It is a typical routine to lock your doors in the evening, but what you may forget about are your windows.
While it is not necessary to check your window locks every single night, it does help to go around your house from time to time to make sure the locks are still in place. Over the span of a few months, it is possible for these locks to come loose. Or your child or significant other may have forgotten to relock them after letting the breeze in for a few hours.
Deadbolt your doors
Most doors come outfitted with a knob lock, but if you are looking for an extra layer of protection, a deadbolt is the way to go. Unlike a knob lock, deadbolts cannot be tampered with or battered until finally opening.
A deadbolt can only be opened with the corresponding key and is guaranteed to give your home the additional security it deserves.
Install an alarm system
If you have tried all these methods and are still looking for an ultimate security solution, then installing an alarm system might be the right answer for you. And with the technology available today, modern alarms can be completely customised to your unique needs, whether you are looking for a basic system or one outfitted with cameras, lighting and all the works.
Whether you decide to actively apply all seven of these security solutions or only desire to pick and choose a few, it is always a good idea to keep the safety of your home at the back of your mind. Being proactive about protecting your beloved space will not only yield real results, but it will also reward you with many nights of cosy, uninterrupted slumber.
This article is contributed by Kenneth Gordon – Assistant VP of Factory Direct Blinds.
(The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of RoofandFloor.)