By following these simple DIY home security suggestions, you can greatly reduce the chance that your home will be subject to burglary or break-in while you are at home or away.

Home Security Tips

• Do not hide a key outside your home.
• Install motion sensor flood lights around the outside of your home.
• Trim overgrown shrubs and trees that are near windows and doors.
• Install sturdy locks on windows.
• Keep windows closed and locked when you’re away from home.


combination keypad lock

• Add a track lock to sliding glass doors, or place a pipe or board in the track to prevent the door from being forced open.
• Install quality deadbolts on all the exterior doors of your home. Programmable combination keypad locks, such as Smart Code Locks from Kwikset are available that allow access without a key.
• Reinforce deadbolt strike plates and door jamb on exterior doors using 3” long screws and heavy duty metal reinforcement plates.
• Install a viewer (peephole) in your front door, or a video monitoring system.
• Make sure garage doors lock securely.
• Keep sheds, boats, and equipment stored in your yard under lock and key.
• Install a quality safe that is bolted to the wall or floor.
• Do not open your door to someone you don’t know.
• Install a home alarm system. Inexpensive DIY models that use wireless technology are available, as well as professionally installed systems that require a monthly fee.

Security Tips When Away from Home

Home alarm system

• Have a neighbor pick up your newspapers and mail, or call or go online to stop delivery.
• Remember to set the alarm system before you leave home.
• Leave a radio playing while away.
• Use timers to turn lamp lamps on and off.
• Check to see that all windows and doors are securely locked.
• Close all blinds or drapes.
• Do not leave a message on your answering machine message indicating that you will not be home.

Video Surveillance Systems

Archerfish video surveillance system

The latest advances in home security are mobile video surveillance systems, such as Archerfish, which employ video cameras linked to computer software to monitor your home or business while you’re away.

When the system detects a preprogrammed event (like a package being delivered to your home or movement caused by a person inside your home), it sends an alert to your smart phone or an e-mail to your computer.

The video feed can then be viewed live on your cell phone or computer to see if the situation requires further attention.

Further Information

• How to Install Burglarproof Locks
• Video Door Answering System
• Home Automation Systems

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