The following is a guest post by Rachael Jones, a blogger for DIYMother.
If you’re like me, your family’s safety is more important than anything in your world. If you’re unable to work your schedule around your children’s school and extracurricular schedules, improving safety measures at your home is vital. Not until your home is broken into will you know true terror, as you will realize your home isn’t as safe and secure as you once thought it was. As the old adage goes, you can never be too careful. If you’re looking for ideas to make your home more secure, here are a few useful tips.
:: Windows
Replacing your home’s windows is not only a home improvement upgrade that will increase your property value, but it will also make your home more secure. Burglars use your first floor windows as a point of entry, making these windows particularly important to replace. Aside from installing new windows in your home, installing a locking system for your windows is of equal importance. A lock system provides your home, and more importantly, your family, with a secondary defense measure against potential burglars.
:: Locks
While this may seem rather elementary, installing new door locks is one of the easiest security measures you can take. A single-cylinder door lock comes with a knob that requires a key to lock and unlock (to be installed as the exterior handle) and a hand knob on the other handle. A double-cylinder lock, while more secure, can become a safety hazard if you were to ever have a fire in your home. These locks use a key from either side of the door, and cannot be locked or unlocked without the key.
If you don’t already have deadbolt locks installed on all of your exterior doors (including the one leading to your garage), this should be the first home security purchase you make. Deadbolts offer you and your family greater protection, as they are longer and thicker than standard door handle locks, and as they lock into your door frame, they can withstand more pressure from a potential burglar. When you’re buying any lock for your exterior doors, remember that you get what you pay for.
:: Security Cameras
Yet another security measure you can take is to install a security camera system at your home. This allows you to record anything and everyone who comes close to your home. Even if you were to only install security cameras outside of your exterior entry points, you will always know who is attempting to enter your home.
Many of the newest security camera systems offer streaming capabilities, meaning you can access your camera’s live feed from any personal computer or laptop. This is an incredible feature, as you can access your camera feed from anywhere (provided you have a Wi-Fi connection) and saves you from purchasing a monitor solely for the camera system. When you pair a security camera system with automatic flood lights, you’ll scare off many would-be burglars, while catching those who aren’t phased by the lights, should they try to break into your home.
While there are dozens of measures you can take to improve home security, which measures you choose to take will likely come down to cost. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are plenty of options which you can afford to implement. Take some time to research which options you can afford. Your family will appreciate it, and you’ll rest easier knowing your family is safe.