As the weather warms up and people begin leaving windows and doors open to take in the fresh air and sunshine, your home may be at a greater risk for unwanted intruders, burglars, or even curious bears and their young stopping by your home to check out the scene and look for food. Spring is one of the best seasons in Western North Carolina, but as the plants and flowers wake up, so do other animals and even people who are more likely to be out and about and looking for an opportunity to invade your home (i.e. burglars.)
Securing your doors and windows is an essential step in protecting your home and loved ones from intruders of all kinds. Burglars often target homes with weak or vulnerable entry points, and a poorly secured door or window can make it easier for them to gain access. Keep reading below for some tips on how you can best secure doors and windows and protect your home and family!
Install Deadbolts
Deadbolts are an effective way to secure your doors, as they provide an extra layer of security beyond the standard lock. Make sure to choose a deadbolt that extends at least one inch into the door frame, as shorter deadbolts can be easily broken with force. You can also consider a smart lock, which can be controlled remotely and provide added convenience and security.
Reinforce Door Frames
Door frames can be a weak point in your home’s security, as they are often made of thin wood and can be easily kicked in. Reinforcing your door frames with metal plates, high-security strike plates, or door frame reinforcement kits can make it much harder for burglars to break in. Make sure to also use long screws that reach the door frame to secure your deadbolt and strike plate for added strength.
Install Window Locks
Window locks can be an effective way to secure your windows and prevent burglars from gaining access. There are several types of window locks available, including sliding window locks, sash locks, and key locks. You can also consider installing window bars or grilles for added security, but make sure they comply with local fire codes.
Use Security Film
Security film is a transparent film that can be applied to your windows to make them more difficult to break. The film is made of a strong, shatter-resistant material that can prevent burglars from smashing your windows and gaining access to your home. Security film can also help protect your windows from severe weather or accidental breakage.
Use Security Cameras
Security cameras are an excellent way to monitor your home and deter burglars from targeting your property. Place cameras near your doors and windows to capture any suspicious activity, and make sure they are visible to potential intruders. You can also choose cameras with motion detection and remote access, which can send alerts to your phone and allow you to view live footage of your home at any time. Making it obvious via signage can also help ward off people who are up to no good.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights can be an effective way to deter burglars from targeting your home. Install lights near your doors and windows that are triggered by motion, which can startle and scare off potential intruders. Make sure the lights are positioned in a way that does not trigger false alarms from passing animals, the wind, or vehicles driving by.
Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology provides added security and convenience for your home via smart locks, smart cameras, and other wireless options. Install a smart security system that includes motion detectors, door and window sensors, and a central control panel that can be accessed remotely. You can also consider smart doorbells, which can send alerts to your phone when someone rings the doorbell and allow you to see and communicate with visitors from anywhere.
Use common sense
You may have heard that common sense may not be so common, but it's still worth mentioning! Some common sense security measures include: locking doors and windows when you leave the house and keeping valuables out of sight, as well as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding distractions if something feels "off" or dangerous.
Securing your doors and windows is an essential step in protecting your home from burglars and other invaders. By installing deadbolts, reinforcing door frames, using window locks and security film, and implementing smart home technology, you can increase the safety and security of your home and give yourself and your family peace of mind! Stay safe out there!
To learn more about how Southern Alarm and Security can help keep your home safe, click here for some of our residential security options!