There is no more important or personal space than your home. It’s the place where you feel safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, homes are also among the most common locations for property crimes like burglary, robbery, and assault. It doesn’t help that many new houses have small windows that require climbing ladders to access and a layout designed to avoid surveillance cameras or other security measures. This leaves many homeowners feeling vulnerable in their own home. Fortunately, there are several ways you can enhance your home security with low-cost solutions that won’t break the bank.
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Install a Security System
Beyond adding more physical security features, you might also want to consider installing a home security system in Bakersfield. A home security system is a complex network of sensors and controls that communicate with each other to alert you of intruders and respond by triggering alarms, sounding sirens, sending alerts to authorities, or even shutting off water and gas supplies. Many of these systems can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, letting you arm or disarm the system from anywhere. Security systems are a good investment if you want to protect your home against a variety of threats — such as burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, and flood. It’s important to note that the level of protection provided by a security system varies based on the system you choose. You can choose a basic alarm system, a system with a built-in camera, or a system with both.
Add an Alarm
If you want to take home security a step further, an alarm is the best way to do it. You can buy an alarm system with a keypad, mobile app, or both. An alarm system with a keypad is the most basic and easiest to install. All you have to do is plug the keypad into an outlet, program it with your code, and plug in the sensors. Sensors that come with basic alarm systems include a door sensor, motion sensor, and carbon monoxide detector. You can also buy additional sensors to protect other areas of your house, like windows and doors. And for an extra layer of security, you can put a sensor on your garage door.
Motion Sensor Lights
The first and most basic security measure you can take is installing motion sensor lights outside your house. When someone enters the area around your home, the lights turn on, illuminating the intruder and making it harder for them to escape undetected. Many modern lights also have the option of connecting to your Wi-Fi and being controlled via smartphone app. Choose motion sensor lights that have a wide range of motion detection, so they don’t turn on every time a bird flies by or a tree branch moves in the breeze. Most models will have a range between 10 and 25 feet (3 and 7 meters).
Add a Bigger Door with a Window
If your house’s doors are small and made of wood or fiberglass, a burglar can break through them using a crowbar or sledgehammer. Make it harder for them by installing a steel door with a large pane of glass. The steel is strong enough to resist simple tools, and the glass makes it easy for you to see who is at the door without opening it. Ensure the glass is shatterproof and has a locking mechanism. Burglars will also attempt to enter through windows, which are often easy to open. Install metal bars or metal shutters on your windows to make them more secure.
Install an Electronic Lock
An electronic lock is an effective way to add extra security to any door. You can find models that support a wide range of security protocols, including Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi. These locks are easy to install and let you control access to your door remotely. Select a lock with a keypad that has a lock code that’s easy to remember but hard to guess. Avoid picking a code that might be easy to figure out, such as a birthdate or the last four digits of your phone number.
Add Surveillance Cameras
Beyond adding physical security features to your home, you can also install surveillance cameras. These cameras can be wired or wireless, and many modern systems allow you to view live footage from your smartphone or computer. You can also record footage and store it on the cloud for later viewing. This lets you keep an eye on your house when you’re away, deter trespassers, and catch would-be criminals in the act. Home surveillance systems come in a variety of features and prices, so choose a system that fits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Home security goes beyond installing physical security features. It also involves taking steps to protect your identity online, staying aware of the people in your neighborhood, and being aware of your surroundings while out and about. These are all important ways to protect your home and make it less appealing to would-be criminals. Home security doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few inexpensive additions, you can protect your home and make it harder for criminals to break in.