Keeping your home safe protects you, your family, and your property. Preventing intruders from getting in starts with understanding how to protect your house from break-ins. From purchasing a security system to fortifying their doors and windows, there are many ways homeowners can prevent unwanted visitors.
Secure Your Front Door
Your front door is your home’s main entry point—for you and any potential intruders. Keeping intruders out starts with securing the door itself. Thicker, heavier doors will be harder for an intruder to force open. On any door, security locks provide added defenses. Deadbolt locks are a great option for fortifying your door’s defenses. When installing the lock, use nails that are at least three inches long. The longer hardware will make kicking in the door more difficult.
Fortify Your Windows
Doors aren’t the only potential entry points for intruders. Fortifying your home’s windows can greatly improve their security. If your windows are older, it may be time to replace their locks and latches, as older, flimsier latches are easier to force open. Upgrading to modern locking systems will greatly improve your window’s security. Another great way to deter window break-ins is to add window coverings. Though curtains and blinds may not physically strengthen your windows, they will make it harder for strangers to see inside your home, hindering an intruder’s ability to plan for a break-in.
Install a Home Security System
Even with basic security measures in place, you may find yourself worrying about your home. Installing a home security system can offer peace of mind, as it will alert you—and the authorities—of any break-ins. Home security systems also deter break-ins, as intruders will be more likely to target homes they know have little or no security measures in place.
Keep Your Location Private
It can be tempting to share vacation photos on social media the second you take them. However, publicly announcing that you aren’t home makes your house a perfect target for a break-in. Whether you’re just leaving to go to work or heading on a trip abroad for three weeks, keep the news that your house will be empty between you and a few trusted family members or neighbors. For added safety, consider leaving a few lights on in your home to give the illusion that it’s still occupied while you’re out.
Knowing how to protect your house from break-ins will allow you to protect the people, property, and place you care about most. Remember to reassess your security measures yearly to identify potential vulnerabilities and keep your home as secure as possible.
