One of the basic human needs is the need for security, and most of us see our homes as the perfect place to satisfy that need. However, even our personal havens aren’t safe if they aren’t properly secured. Instead of worrying about the safety of your children every time you leave home, take some time to properly apply safety measures. With the help of several simple, yet efficient steps, you can minimize the risk of home burglaries and provide a safe environment for your family.

Install a Security System

The estimates show that burglars usually stay away from homes that have security systems. Installing a security system in your home is one of the essential measures to keep your family safe. In addition, you should let potential intruders know that you have a security system by using window stickers or yard signs to warn them. You should also install several surveillance cameras around your property to be able to keep an eye on what’s going on.

Let There Be Light

Most burglars will just skip your house if it’s well lit, because they won’t risk getting caught. However, just leaving a light on at your porch isn’t enough. You should make sure that the exterior lighting covers as much ground in the back as in the front of your house. An efficient option is installing motion sensor lights in the vicinity of main entrances and programming them to turn on and off from time to time. An important aspect to consider when it comes to programming both interior and exterior lights to turn on automatically is the pattern. Burglars usually monitor a house before breaking in, and they can easily figure out whether you’re home or not. If you opt for a random lighting pattern, they will be less likely to tell whether there’s somebody home.

Secure Your Doors and Windows

When you consider the fact that approximately 30% of burglars enter a home through unlocked doors and windows or that 34% of them break in through the front door, you start questioning how well-secured your entries are. You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a high quality lock, advises a locksmith. Whether you opt for locks and bolts, or electronic key systems, you’ll be one step closer to providing a safe home for your children.

Rely on Your Neighbours

If you’ve just moved to a new neighbourhood, you should take some time to get to know your neighbours. You can ask around whether there’s a neighbourhood watch you can join, or you can start one if there isn’t. Your neighbours can take care of your house and visit it while you’re away, which will decrease the chances of a break-in. In return, you should do the same for them – a good relationship with your neighbours will go a long way.

Create an Illusion of Occupancy

If you’re planning a long family vacation, you should make sure to leave your home well-protected. Another efficient way to deter potential intruders is by creating an illusion of occupancy while you’re away. Burglars are less likely to break in if they believe that there’s somebody home. Therefore, make sure to cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions, hire a landscaping service to take care of your lawn and bushes and ask neighbours to visit your house from time to time.

Hide Your Valuables

You shouldn’t brag with how much money you have by leaving everything out in the open. Instead, hide your valuables and keep them safe. If you have an expensive, smart TV, you shouldn’t place it near a window where everyone can see it. Keep your jewellery in a safe, or in a hidden compartment, and don’t keep a large sum of money in your house. An expensive car should be hidden behind the garage doors and not parked in the yard.

By opting for these safety measures, you can secure your house properly with little investment. Remember that protecting your family is the highest priority.

Have you installed a security system in your home? Share with us in the comments.