Break-ins are a harsh reality of life, and the emotional toll often lasts far longer than the loss of property. I’ve had friends who, even after changing locks and upgrading their security, couldn’t shake that uneasy feeling. Keeping your home safe is about more than protecting your stuff—it’s about holding onto your peace of mind.
You don’t need to turn your house into a fortress to keep intruders at bay. There are plenty of low-key, practical things you can do that make a huge difference without feeling paranoid. Sometimes, it’s the simplest habits that can make your home look less appealing to burglars.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the smartest and most effective ways to make your home more secure. These tips are designed to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe without breaking the bank.
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 Your 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 a 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. To protect it, use strong passwords and consider a firewall.
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
Set a radio or TV on a timer to turn on at certain times to create the illusion of presence. 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 monitor 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 is secure, especially if it’s attached to your house. 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. Based on the latest trends and technologies, they can provide personalized recommendations to enhance your home’s security.
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.
20 Crucial Supplies for Surviving a Societal Collapse
In the face of uncertainty, being well-prepared gives you at least some degree of control and security. The thought of a societal collapse, while extreme, prompts us to consider how we might endure without the conveniences of our current lifestyle.
Here’s a list of 20 essential items that could prove indispensable in such a scenario. This guide isn’t about succumbing to fear but embracing preparedness and resilience.
14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry
I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness.
They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.
Best Regions in the U.S. to Escape to When Society Collapses
Choosing a refuge in the event of societal collapse involves weighing the pros and cons of each location against your personal preparedness goals and abilities.
Whether you’re drawn to the solitude of the desert or the protective heights of the mountains, the key is finding a place that offers safety and the opportunity for growth and renewal.
