Most people assume break-ins happen at night, but the reality is different-many burglaries occur in broad daylight, often between noon and 4 p.m. That’s when homes are usually empty, making them easier targets. Thus, staying vigilant and taking proactive measures can highly reduce the chances of your home being targeted. So, what are home security tips that can truly make a difference? Let's take a look at some practical advice to give you peace of mind.
Useful Home Security Tips
Home security measures are a critical aspect of modern living. In fact, theft accounts for more than three-quarters of reported crimes in the United States, screaming the need for effective measures to protect your property. Below is a breakdown of home security tips to help secure your home from potential burglary threats.
1. Always Lock Your Doors and Windows
According to statistics by InterNACHI, 34% of burglars enter through the front door, and another 23% gain access through first-floor windows. Simply locking all accessible entry points at all times significantly reduces the likelihood of a break-in.
2. Reinforce Entry Points with Strong Deadbolts and Strike Plates
To deter forced entry, upgrade your entry doors with heavy-duty deadbolts, strike plates, and hinges. Reinforced strike plates ensure stability in holding the lock during impact, reducing the success rate of "kick-ins." The addition of peepholes also enhances awareness, allowing you to verify visitors before permitting access.
A case study in Detroit revealed that installing reinforced doors and deadbolts caused a noticeable decrease in break-in attempts within a housing complex. Such preventative measures increase the risk and effort for criminals, making your home an undesirable target.
3. Don’t Forget the Garage-Secure It Inside and Out
The garage is often overlooked, but 9% of burglars gain access through this vulnerable entry point. To secure it, use heavy-duty deadbolt and shatterproof glass on linking doors, keep garage doors always closed, and consider adding a manual lock or additional beam clamps. Store valuables out of sight and disable the garage door opener when away for an extended period.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights Near Entrances
Lighting is always a reliable solution in deterring criminal activity. Motion-sensor lights automatically illuminate dark or hidden areas around entrances and backyards when movement is detected, discouraging intruders. A Florida community saw a 25% decrease in nighttime burglaries after widespread adoption of motion-sensor lighting.
Position these lights strategically near front doors, garage points, windows, and alleys. Improved visibility reduces hiding spots for criminals and makes your home less appealing to opportunists.
5. Add a Video Doorbell for Front-Door Awareness
Video doorbells are an innovative solution for monitoring activity at entry points. These devices allow real-time viewing and recording, along with communication capabilities that let you speak to visitors, even when you're away. A survey conducted by SafeWise revealed that homes with video surveillance experience 50% fewer burglary attempts.
Modern video doorbells integrate seamlessly with smartphone apps, providing alerts for suspicious movement or activity. The presence of such home security ideas serves as a deterrent to criminals who fear being caught on camera.
6. Trim Back Bushes and Trees That Block Visibility
Overgrown bushes or trees near windows and entry points can serve as hiding spots for burglars. Keeping vegetation trimmed improves sightlines around your home, allowing you and neighbors to detect suspicious activity easily. Strategic landscaping, such as the use of thorny plants under windows, can deter potential intruders further.
7. Set a Strong Password for Your Wi-Fi Network
Cybersecurity risks shouldn't be discounted in home security plans. Criminals can access smart home devices through unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Setting strong passwords composed of digits, upper/lowercase letters, and symbols minimizes vulnerability to hacking.
8. Disable Unused Features That Could Be Hacked
Smart home devices often come with features you may not use, such as remote access. Disable unused ports or services to reduce entry points for hackers. For example, turn off remote login features on security cameras or smart locks when they're unnecessary and ensure firmware updates are applied regularly.
9. Keep Vacation Plans Private (Until You're Home)
Avoid publicizing vacation schedules on social media or other platforms, as criminals often monitor these spaces for opportunities. Share travel plans only with trusted individuals who may assist you, such as neighbors or house sitters. Being low-key isn't a bad idea, after all.
10. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Maybe the next one is home security tips you never thought of. But listen. Good neighbors act as an added layer of security. Build relationships with those living around you to foster a network of vigilance. Neighbors can report suspicious activity, collect deliveries during your absence, and monitor your property informally.
Regular neighborhood watch initiatives have shown dramatic reductions in crime. In fact, a program launched in Seattle led to a 15% decrease in property thefts when residents began collaborating closely with law enforcement.
11. Create a Daily Security Routine-Especially at Night
Develop habits like checking locks, setting alarms, and ensuring motion-sensor lights are functional before heading to bed. Establish routines that include ensuring all family members are aware of various security steps.
12. Install a Security System with Alarms and Sensors
Multiple studies, such as one published by the University of North Carolina, have found that visible alarm systems discourage 83% of burglars from targeting a specific property. Modern security systems with alarms, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras are essential in target hardening. Alarms alert you and authorities immediately during a break-in attempt, while motion detectors sense activity near entry points. Pairing smart security systems with a monitoring service guarantees rapid response.
If you're looking for the best DIY home security system, the eufy LocalSecure™ System is a great place to start. It’s simple to set up, works without monthly fees, and runs locally, so your data stays private. With smart features like BionicMind™ AI detection and Away Mode, it adapts to your daily routine while keeping your home protected 24/7.
For those who want an extra layer of protection, the eufy ExpertSecure System goes even further. It combines AI detection with professional monitoring and video verification to cut down false alarms while ensuring serious threats are dealt with quickly. Plus, with expandable local storage and pre-configured devices, setup is hassle-free and tailored to grow with your needs.
Home Security When You're Away
Being away from home for a weekend or an extended trip calls for some extra steps to secure your home and mitigate the risk of break-ins or damage.
- Put Lights and Devices on Timers: Using timers for outdoor and indoor lights creates the illusion of occupancy, deterring burglars. Smart plugs can automate device usage, enhancing your home's "occupied" look even when you're away.
- Pause Mail and Deliveries: Uncollected mail or packages signal your absence to criminals. Contact the postal services to pause deliveries or redirect packages. Small smart moves matter in such cases.
- Ask a Friend to Stay in Your Home: Calling the help of a trusted friend or relative during an extended trip provides your home with the appearance of active use, reducing the likelihood of break-ins. They can also help by messaging you in real-time if urgent matters arise.
- Ask a Trusted Neighbor to Keep an Eye Out: Trusted neighbors can document irregular activities, park vehicles in your driveway, or maintain visible household routines. These actions decrease your home's attractiveness to criminals.
Conclusion
There you have it! Knowing what are home security tips that work is one of the best investments you can make for your safety and comfort. Simple steps like double-checking locks or setting timers on lights can make a big difference in preventing potential break-ins. However, for robust protection, consider upgrading to reliable solutions like the eufy LocalSecure™ System, which offers advanced, user-friendly features to keep your home safe, even when you’re miles away. Take action today and protect what matters most!
FAQ on What Are Home Security Tips
What are the basic home security tips?
Basic home security tips include locking all doors and windows, installing outdoor lighting, using security cameras, trimming bushes to remove hiding spots, and reinforcing entry points with deadbolts. Also, don't forget to always keep valuables out of sight and let trusted neighbors know when you're away.
What are the best things to do for home security?
Investing in a reliable security system, setting timers for lights, and reinforcing entry points (like doors and windows) can really make a difference. Pair these with being mindful of who has access to your property, and you’ll create a strong safety barrier for yourself and your loved ones.
How to deter burglars at night?
Motion sensor lights can be a lifesaver, as they can make intruders think twice. Adding visible security cameras or signs about your alarm system, locking up garages and sheds, and letting lights or TVs stay on can make your home look occupied and uninviting to burglars.
Is smart home security safe to use?
Absolutely! With proper setup and strong passwords, smart home security is safe, reliable, and often more convenient. Regular updates help keep systems secure, so as long as you stay vigilant, it’s a fantastic way to monitor and protect your home from anywhere.