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Simple Steps to Home Security

This is the time of year when many people are shopping and entertaining friends and family as guests. Security is even more important than ever. But securing your family and home means more than just having an alarm system; it involves proactively identifying vulnerabilities that could attract intruders. By conducting a home security audit, you will be able to recognize weak spots and create a thorough security plan tailored to your needs. We want to give you a step-by-step guide to auditing your home security so you can rest easy knowing your family and home are safe.

Step 1: Exterior Inspection

• Start by walking around the outside of your home. Examine fences and gates for wear and any easy entry points, ensuring all latches are secure. Consider adding locks or upgrading to automatic options for added security.
• Check garages and sheds, so your tools and other stored possessions are secure. or ladders that could provide access to your home. Ensure these are properly locked. Also, consider your yard care—as overgrown bushes or trees near windows can offer cover for intruders, so keeping them trimmed can deter unauthorized entry.
• Outdoor lighting is another major deterrent. Solar lights around fences and motion-detection lights near entry points can make your home a less appealing target after dark.

Step 2: Assess Entry Points

• Examine all doors and windows to make sure locks are working properly. Consider upgrading to deadbolts where possible. Secondary locks, like window pins, and adding a rod behind sliding glass doors can make it harder for intruders to enter.
• For additional security, consider upgrades such as tempered or laminated glass, which are harder to break, and window security film. Basements and garages also need secure locks; you might consider adding a garage door security bar to prevent forced entry.

Step 3: Interior Security Measures

• Test your home security system to ensure it’s working correctly. If you don’t have a system, consider installing one that includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and an alarm. For security cameras, be strategic in placement—visible but out of reach. Regularly check your cameras to confirm they’re recording and storing footage securely, either locally or in the cloud.
• For interior security, consider using timers or smart lighting systems to simulate occupancy when you’re not home. Motion sensors can alert you to activity in key areas like hallways or stairwells but adjust them if you have pets to avoid unnecessary alerts.

Step 4: Strengthen Digital Security

• Ensure your Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong password and WPA3 encryption. Regularly updating your router’s firmware also helps prevent unauthorized access. For added security, consider a guest network for visitors.
• For smart home devices like locks, cameras, or lights, set unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Regular firmware updates will keep these devices as secure as possible.

Step 5: Prepare for Emergencies

• An emergency plan is crucial for ensuring everyone in your household knows what to do if there’s an intrusion or other emergency. Conduct security drills with your family, and rehearse an escape plan that covers the quickest routes out of your home.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts, including neighbors, local law enforcement, and security monitoring services, and store this list somewhere accessible.

Now that you’ve taken these 5 simple steps to secure your home, take time to review your security plan. Be sure to perform a security audit annually or whenever there are major changes to your home, like renovations or new tech installations. Keeping up with the latest security measures will help you stay ahead of potential threats and help you protect your loved ones and property from various risks. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities with these simple steps, you can stay proactive and confident that your home is secure.

By Prime Custom Builders Staff 11-1-2024