In today’s world, it’s unfortunate but true that break-ins happen more often than we’d like. The effects of a burglary go beyond just losing belongings. Many people feel violated and scared long after the incident.
It’s much better to prevent a burglary than to deal with one. You don’t have to make your home look like a fortress, but there are many easy things you can do to make it less appealing to thieves. By taking a few straightforward steps, you can help keep your home and your peace of mind secure.
1. Lock Up Tight
It may seem obvious, but locking your doors is a crucial step in home security that’s often ignored. Surprisingly, many Americans, especially in the Northwest, tend to leave their doors unlocked. This is common even in neighborhoods considered safe. However, it’s important to understand that all it takes is one chance for an intruder to enter. Always locking your doors, even when you’re at home, is a simple but effective way to increase your safety.
2. Don’t Post Yor Keys on Social Media
The joy of moving into a new home often leads to sharing key photos on social media. However, this innocent act can be risky. With today’s technology, burglars can replicate your keys from just a photograph. Be cautious about what you share online.
3. Avoid Bumper Stickers That Give Away Too Much Info
Adorning your vehicle with bumper stickers can inadvertently tip off burglars about your schedule or hobbies. For example, a bumper sticker indicating your child’s school can reveal when you’re likely away for drop-offs and pick-ups. Custom license plates and stickers showcasing expensive hobbies can also signal that valuable items may be inside your home.
4. Be Social Media Savvy
Many burglars exploit social media to find easy targets. Posting about vacations or outings in real time can alert opportunistic criminals that your house is vacant. Adjust your social media habits to share your experiences post-return to maintain privacy and security.
5. Use Blinds and Curtains
Visible empty homes are more likely to be targeted. Utilize blinds and curtains to obscure the view into your home, especially when you’re not around. Consistency in your window treatments can help give the illusion of presence.
6. Spare Key Strategy
Hiding your spare key in obvious places like under the mat or in a fake rock can be as risky as leaving your door open. Think creatively about hideaway spots or entrust a neighbor with your spare key.
7. Secure the Flap on Your Doggy Door
Doggy doors are convenient but can be an entry point for intruders. Opt for lockable pet doors to secure your home, especially at night or when you’re away.
8. Alarm Keypad Placement
Position your home’s alarm keypad away from windows and mirrors to prevent burglars from knowing whether your system is armed.
9. Discourage Doorstep Solicitors
Unattended flyers or door hangers can signal your absence. Display a ‘No Solicitation’ sign to reduce this risk.
10. Outsmart Porch Pirates
Leaving packages on your porch signals to burglars that you’re not home. Use discreet storage solutions for deliveries or schedule them for times when you’re likely to be home.
11. Don’t Let Mail and Newspapers Pile Up
An overflowing mailbox or uncollected newspapers are clear indicators of an empty home. Arrange for mail holds and newspaper stoppages during extended absences.
12. Use Smart Lighting
Gone are the days of leaving the lights on continuously. Utilize smart plugs and systems to control lights and electronics, mimicking your presence even when you’re away.
13. Reinforce Entry Points
Strengthen your doors with deadbolt locks, security strike plates, and reinforce the door frames. Smart locks add an extra layer of tech-savvy security. Remember, your door’s strength is a major deterrent to opportunistic thieves.
14. Upgrade Window Security
Installing window locks or security film can significantly increase the resistance of your windows against forced entry. In some high-risk areas, window bars might be a prudent addition.
15. Install Motion-Detector Lights
Motion-sensor lighting is a great way to scare off would-be burglars. Illuminate the dark corners of your property, especially near doors and windows.
16. Set Up Security Cameras
Visible surveillance cameras around your property can deter burglars and provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in. They’re a great tool for monitoring your home remotely.
17. Use Alarm System Signage
A simple yet effective trick – display signs or stickers indicating that your home is protected by a security system, even if you don’t have one. The suggestion alone can be a deterrent.
18. Landscape Maintenance
Keep bushes and trees trimmed to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. An open and visible yard is less attractive to those looking to break in unnoticed.
19. Secure Valuables in a Safe
A home safe is essential for protecting your most valuable items, especially when you’re not around. It’s an extra layer of security for your irreplaceable items.
20. Neighborhood Watch Participation
Being part of a neighborhood watch program can significantly enhance the security of your area. Collective vigilance is a powerful deterrent against crime.
21. Install Peephole or Doorbell Camera
Knowing who’s at the door before opening it is crucial. A peephole or a smart doorbell camera adds a layer of security and convenience.
22. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your wireless network is a gateway to personal and financial information. Keep it secure with strong passwords and consider a firewall for additional security.
23. Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular inspections for signs of tampering or potential weaknesses are essential. This includes checking locks, latches, and any entry points for vulnerabilities.
24. Keep a Radio or TV on a Timer
Create the illusion of presence by setting a radio or TV on a timer to switch on at certain times. The noise can give the impression that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.
25. Use Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices like Wi-Fi-connected lights, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled remotely. They offer an excellent way to monitor your home and simulate occupancy even when you’re away.
26. Build a Trusted Community
Foster relationships with trusted neighbors who can keep an eye on your property when you’re not around. They can also help collect mail, newspapers, and packages, reducing signs of an empty home.
27. Keep Gardening Tools and Ladders Locked Away
Store ladders, gardening tools, and other objects that can be used to break into your home securely. Leaving these items unsecured outside can provide burglars with the means to gain entry.
28. Use Timer Switches for Lights
Invest in timer switches for your indoor lights. These devices can turn lights on and off in a pattern that mimics normal usage, making it appear as if someone is home.
29. Secure Your Garage
Ensure your garage, especially if it’s attached to your house, is secure. Lock all doors, including interior doors leading into the home, and consider adding a security system to the garage.
30. Consider a Professional Security Assessment
Hire a security professional to assess your home’s vulnerabilities. They can provide personalized recommendations to enhance your home’s security based on the latest trends and technologies.
31. Don’t Leave a Portable GPS in Plain Sight in the Car
Leaving your portable GPS visible in your car not only risks theft of the device but also poses a risk to your home security. Burglars can use the information to find your home address. It’s best to keep the GPS hidden or take it with you when leaving your car.
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This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
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With food prices going up by 15% from October 2021 to October 2023, finding ways to cut down your grocery bills is more important than ever. Winter foraging is an awesome way to add to your pantry for free. Yes, you get free food in the form of wild edibles, but it’s also fun for the whole family, gets you moving, and reconnects you with nature.
Even though foraging in winter seems hard compared to the bounty of late summer, there’s still plenty out there if you know where to look. Plus, if things do go south, you need to know how to get wild foods to survive when there are no old-world supplies to access.
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Preserving food is an art as much as it is a science, tapping into our ancestral roots and addressing modern needs. Whether you’re looking to avoid waste, prepare for leaner times, or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor year-round, these 23 smart methods will guide you through. I’m a huge fan of preserving things I find on sale, gluts of produce from my homestead, or produce I’ve bartered with someone else.
