A home is a refuge, a place where you can relax your mind and lower your guard. A place where you can keep your belongings. To get that peace of mind, you need to know that your door, your windows, won’t let anyone in without your say-so. You need to be sure that the only access is through you or your family.
Naturally, there is an industry dedicated to this. However, the cost of what is on offer is probably 90% of why you’re reading this. Don’t worry. We won’t disappoint.
In this article, you’ll gain knowledge of:
- What you need to change—behaviourally, routinely—to get one or three steps closer to the peace of mind you deserve in a place you call home.
- Smart security devices and measures, DIY systems, and smart home integration, all with the keyword ‘affordable’ attached.
- How to make the best use of whatever security system you already have in place.
- The benefits you stand to gain when you have a local locksmith like Alcatraz Locksmith as a partner.
1. Begin Simple Deterrents and Behavioural Changes
Long before the internet and smart technology became commonplace, there were steps people took to ensure their home security was solid enough that they felt safe enough to sleep soundly at night. These steps are still effective:
Reinforce All Entry Points
Burglars can use windows as entry points, but even they would prefer to use the more conventional methods if they can. That’s why you should start improving your security by making sure your doors can stand up to intrusions.
There’s virtually no replacement for a solidly constructed deadbolt lock, and when it comes to installing these, calling a locksmith like Alcatraz Locksmith is your best option. Also, don’t forget to check the strike plate on your door—a reinforced strike plate goes a long way in making sure your door can resist burglars. While you’re at it, see what you can do for your hinges too. They’re important.
That’s not all you can do. Try to install a peephole if you can get away with it. They can provide valuable intel on who’s at your door.
Windows Are Your Allies
As we mentioned earlier, windows are a point of interest for potential burglars, so make sure your windows have functioning locks, and make sure you use security film. This film will act in a way that makes your window panes almost like the safety glass in car windshields, holding the glass together and making sure it doesn’t just fly apart when struck.
We know burglar-proofing can sometimes look unsightly and trapping, but with it in place, the only precaution you then have to take concerning window security is making sure you don’t keep your valuables within reach of the windows. Consider that.
Create a Lived-In Illusion
In Home Alone, there’s a scene where Kevin tries to dissuade the burglars Harry and Marv using cardboard cutouts mounted on a mini train, puppets, mannequins, lights, and music. And it worked. At least until Harry and Marv wised up, that is.
But it worked, and it was magic while it lasted.
You don’t have to go that far to achieve the same results. Timers for your lights and a radio set to turn on and off throughout the day can create the same effect even when you’re away.
Set Up a Neighborhood Watch
There is much power in community. Getting to know your neighbors is the first step in establishing something like this. When you know each other well enough, you can propose the idea of a neighborhood watch where all anyone has to do is look out for anything suspicious and report it to the police.
2. Apply Advanced Deterrence Techniques
Work on Your Landscaping
It seems unconventional, doesn’t it? Here’s an extreme case of how your landscaping can be a security risk:
Imagine a large shrubbery right next to your front door. This is where a burglar can hide and lie in wait. When you get home and get the door open, they can rush you and gain entry. Or maybe choose the tamer option and simply watch for where you hide your keys when you go out. This landscaping choice is one to avoid.
If you must have shrubs close to your door—perhaps on either side of the path—consider planting the thorny versions instead to create a natural barrier.
Also, make sure your yard is well-lit at night. Try to eliminate any dark corners where burglars could hide. Use rope lights if you have to. Be very careful though, so you don’t create a fire hazard.
Visible Security Cameras
Yes, they have to be visible. If they are hidden, they don’t serve their purpose: to make any potential intruders think twice.
When you place these strategically, visible security cameras (they could even be dummies!) can send a strong message to career burglars that they are being watched. If you can afford them, look for the ones that have night vision capabilities.
Security Signs and Stickers
Advertise your home security with security signs and window stickers—they’re the technological version of ‘Beware of Dog’ posters. This is a low-cost way to stop intruders looking for an easy target.
Be Careful on Social Media
Always be careful with what you post on social media, especially when it comes to upcoming vacations or absences for any reason. Such public announcements can tip off burglars.
3. Use DIY Systems and the Convenience that Apps Offer
DIY security systems are having their moment, and there’s a reason for that. Companies like Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, Abode, and Cove offer all the bells and whistles (without the hefty price tag) to keep your home safe and sound.
Imagine the peace of mind you can get knowing that even if you’re not at home, your home is still under sleepless watching eyes. Motion detectors keep an eye out for any unwanted visitors, and door and window sensors trip the alarm if someone tries to sneak in. And if you’re feeling extra cautious, you can get a panic button that sends a distress signal directly to the police. That’s the versatility you can get from DIY systems.
And that’s not even the best part, especially since affordability is the keyword in this article. DIY systems are way more budget-friendly than traditional, complicated security setups. You can get the protection you need without feeling like you just hired a squad from securitygoons.com.
Smart Home Integration
Perhaps you’re on a beach in Miami for the weekend when your phone suddenly buzzes with a notification from your smart security system letting you know something is fishy back home. Oh dear! What do you do? It’ll take the police time to get there.
However, this isn’t your grandpa’s clunky alarm system. This is the affordable-high-tech stuff. It can take things a bit further.
Thanks to technology, some smart security systems can work with other smart gadgets in your home, like the lights and thermostat—creating an ecosystem of sorts even across brands. So the motion sensors on your smart doorbell detect motion in your yard. It sends you a notification in Miami and you call the police to check on your home. But in the meantime, your home lights flicker on, and the thermostat cranks up, making it seem like you’re there catching up on Netflix.
That intruder will be running before you get off the phone with 911.
4. Get the Most Out of Your Existing Security System
You already have locks on your doors, right? There are already measures in place so you, at the very least, can take a shower at home in peace. You can work with and improve what’s already there. Here’s how:
Upgrade Your Deadbolt
Deadbolts have levels to them. The more money the manufacturer demands, the more complex and burglar-proof it must be. Alcatraz Locksmith can help you choose one and make sure it’s installed the right way.
Check the Sensor Batteries
Sensors are electrical devices, and they rely on batteries to perform. Make it a habit to check that these batteries are in good order. Dead batteries have made more than one person’s TV or AC nearly useless before. Also, see what you can do about getting spares, just in case. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Test Your System
How do you know your system is in good order if you don’t test it? Trip those alarms every once in a while to make sure the reason they don’t go off every other day of the month is not because it’s malfunctioning or something. If you notice any problem or something that seems like it’ll be a problem sometime soon, like a dying battery or a loose connector, fix it as soon as you can. It might be needed that very evening, who can tell?
Update Your Monitoring Plan
If you already have a professionally monitored security system, explore the various plans the manufacturer might have to offer. There might be one with more coverage which you can still afford. Don’t stress it though. If you can’t get it and still have necessities until it’s time for the next payday, let it be. Look at the other measures we have mentioned so far. We have more to come.
5. Partner With a Local Locksmith
The internet is vast, but there’s still only so much you have access to by searching on Google. That method is limited by what you know at any given time. Having a real-time in-person source of extensive knowledge and advice born of hands-on experience is a much, much better approach to handling matters like this. This is something Alcatraz Locksmith can be for you.
From professional lock installation and repair to security consultations that will leave you with advice and a plan of action that guarantees peace of mind on any reasonable budget, Alcatraz Locksmith has you covered when it comes to affordability.
Upgrading your home’s security doesn’t have to be something that will have you pinching pennies when all is said and done. When you follow our advice as we have laid it out here, you will achieve a greater level of peace in your home.
Contact us for a free security consultation or if you’re ready to take action and want professional help with some steps in your plan.