Just bought your first home? Excited about the big move and can’t stop planning about how you will decorate it? Maybe you even have an interior decorator in mind. Don’t get me wrong, I am just like you. When I first bought a new home I was super excited about what the wall colors would be and what would be the theme of each room’s decoration.
The lighting, furniture, floors, etc. etc. I had each and everything planned for the inside. However, all I thought about the outside was landscaping. Home security did not cross my mind for an instance, and why would it? It is as boring as it gets.
However, I learned the hard way that sometimes boring things can end up being the most important ones too.
Therefore, I decided to write this article so you all can save yourselves from the horrific experience of coming home to find all your loved belongings gone.
You must have heard the saying that goes something like this, “Wise people learn from their mistake, but the wisest learn from the mistakes of others.” So here a few simple steps you can take to ensure your home security is not your last priority.
Beat the burglars and secure your home right away.
Secure the Doors
The first thing you should do when you move into your newly bought home is to change the locks on all entry doors.
You may not have thought of it but some stranger has the keys to those locks and you don’t want that, especially if you leave children or the older folks home alone often. Also, this way you can be sure that the locks on those doors are of the best quality.
You would also want to check the door frames for sturdiness, ensure the hinges are protected and the mail slot is not so big that someone can reach in and unlock the door from the inside. To reinforce the security of all entry doors, install a strike plate and deadbolt.
If you are into smart home gadgets you may want to install a smart lock and video doorbell too. If there are any sliding doors you can add window bars or dowels in the track to hinder the door from opening.
Glass break sensors and door sensors that will alert you in case of an intrusion are also an option.
Also Read: The Best Home Improvement Tips Of 2019
Security System
Whether you get a professional home automation and security system or set up a DIY security system for your new home, one thing is certain that you need some sort of security system in place. These days there are several options available and you will surely find something that will fit your budget and security requirements.
The first thing you will need to do is to evaluate the security of your neighborhood and then decide upon your house security requirements. It will be a good idea to contact your local police station to get an overview of the crime rate in your area to help you decide the level of security you might need.
A few things to keep in mind while making your decision include:
- Monthly and upfront costs
- Smart home capabilities
- The brand’s reputation and customer service
- Cost of DIY installation as compared to a professional installation
- Any extras that may be offered (e.g. carbon monoxide and smoke detection)
Wi-Fi Network
We all have wireless networks in our houses these days. Gone are the days when the whole household shared the same computer that would be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable.
Now we’ve all got our preferred devices connected to the internet through the Wi-Fi router sitting on a shelf somewhere in the house. Heck, even all our smart home gadgets are connected to the internet nowadays.
Yes, it is very fancy and so very convenient to be able to remotely control the thermostat, alarms, lights, etc., but it is equally dangerous as well if the wrong people gain access to the wireless network that controls everything in your house.
Do not leave yourself vulnerable to criminals and follow the below tips to keep hackers and burglars at bay.
- Sign up with a responsible internet service provider. A provider that offers an internet service that is secured at their end and you are provided with a free internet security suite to keep you safe from security breaches. One such provider that suddenly popped in my mind is Spectrum. Regardless of which of the Spectrum promotions you choose, you will receive a free security suite with an internet connection. They also offer updated company equipment that would help provide another layer of protection.
- Secure your Wi-Fi router by enabling the WPA or WPA2 encryption and ensuring the firmware is up-to-date.
- A firewall is your first line of defense against malicious software. Make sure that it is regularly updated and always enabled to add that significant layer of protection.
- When you set up your wireless router make sure that you change the default username and password. It is a good idea to hide your network as well. Also, create a strong password consisting of upper and lower case letters along with numbers and special characters.
- Use a parental control app or a router with parental controls to keep your little ones safe when they go online for homework or even for fun. You can monitor their activity as well as limit their screen through these tools.
Also Read: 5 Ways Baltimore Is A Great Place For Home Care
Conclusion
Other ways to add up to the security of your house include reinforcing window glass with security film, planting thorny bushes outside the windows, using motion sensor lights, installing extra locks on the garage door and a smart garage door opener, etc.
Always lock gates and sheds when not in use, and never leave ladders or stools outside. You may also want to put up security signs. It is also good sense to not leave expensive items on display. Get a fire-proof and water-proof safe to keep your valuables protected in case of a burglary.
