A good home security system is one of the best ways to protect your home and family. The average person spends a lot of time in their home. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, it’s important to make sure your home is as secure as possible. Not only is a good home security system important to protect you from outsiders, but it can also help protect your family and property from the ones who live with you. Here are a few steps every homeowner should take to make sure their house is safe.

Beware of What You Share Online

One of the biggest mistakes people make is sharing too much online. It may seem harmless to post pictures of your new puppy, but if you have kids, you must be careful about what information you share on social media. For example, Facebook had a glitch recently that allowed users to find anyone’s phone number just by typing in their name, which allowed strangers to find out your address. 

Don’t share your vacation plans or the location of your home on social media either. Instead, create a private Facebook group just for family and friends that you trust. You can also change the settings on your phone so only people who have your contact information, such as close family and friends, can see your location.

Get Insurance

No matter how safe you keep your home, accidents happen. Having the right insurance is important to protect yourself in case anything bad does happen. This means you can file for water damage claims if for some reason there was some terrible incident at your house. If you can’t afford a security system, consider installing deadbolt locks on all the doors and windows in your house. It also makes sense to get renter’s insurance if you live in an apartment. Renters’ insurance can offer you peace of mind and also protect your belongings in case anything should happen.

Keep Your Home Well-Lit

No one wants to feel vulnerable in their own home. Having a well-lit home is an easy way to deter burglars especially if you place floodlights around doors and windows. Install motion-sensor lights around your property and make sure all of your exterior lights are working properly. Porch lights are another great deterrent against criminals trying to break into your house. If you have a dark backyard, consider adding some landscape lighting. Burglars generally prefer to work in the dark, so making your home as bright as possible will make it less appealing to them. If they can’t see what’s waiting for them, they may move on to the next house.

Secure Your Doors and Windows

One of the most common ways burglars gain access to a home is by breaking into windows or doors. Make sure all of your windows have sturdy locks and consider adding security bars or window sensors. For your doors, make sure you have a good deadbolt lock and use a door chain or peephole to see who is outside before opening the door. You can also install a security system that includes door and window sensors.

Install Motion Sensors

Motion sensors can alert you to intruders and also scare people off before they even get a chance to break in. They’re great for homes with big backyards, too. Sensors can alert you to movement around your property, so if a criminal tries to hide in the bushes or sneak around the side of your house, you’ll be alerted. If you have pets, motion sensors can come in handy when they run outside because they will ignore their movement and only pick up on a person walking towards your home.

Trim Trees and Bushes Around Your Home

Tall bushes and trees near your front door are convenient for criminals because they can hide behind them if they decide to break into your home. Trim back overhanging branches, throw away any objects that would make great hiding spots, or cover open areas with landscaping stones. When you’re trimming trees and bushes around your home, stay about ten feet away from your front door.

If you want to keep a tree, consider building a fence around it so it’s not blocking the entrance to your home. Also, make sure your doorbell and address are clearly visible from the street. This will help the police identify your home if there is ever a burglary or crime scene.

Put your Valuables in a Safe Place

If you have any valuable possessions, make sure you keep them in a safe place. This could be a safe in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank. If you have any expensive jewelry or watches, consider getting a home security system that includes a safe. 

Most burglars will not take the time to search through your belongings for valuable items, but if they see something that looks easy to snatch, they may take it. Having a safe home is one thing, but making sure your valuables are protected is another. A safe can be a great investment and can be used to store other important documents such as your passport and social security card.

These are just a few tips to help keep your home safe. By following these simple steps, you can decrease the likelihood that your home will be broken into. Keep in mind, these are things anyone can do with a few hours of work and are not intended to make your home impenetrable.