Are you looking for proven ways to secure your home and protect your loved ones? The latest crime statistics for major US cities show why you should consider upping your security profile:
- Robberies are up 13%
- Motor vehicle thefts are up a whopping 21%
- Burglaries both residential and non-residential are up 6% and 8% respectively
- Larceny is up 20%
- Source-AFPI
My current blog post, “Home Security Ideas for 2023”, is filled with the latest technology, tactics, and trends to keep your home and vehicle safe. From smart home integrations to innovative alarm systems, I looked for the most up-to-date and tested methods and tech to serve you well.
Imagine being able to leave your home or go to sleep each night with the peace of mind of knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your property and family. My insightful guide will help you step into 2023 with confidence, knowing your home is well-protected with the most advanced security measures.
Don’t wait for a security scare to start safeguarding your home. Dive into my post “Home Security Ideas for 2023” now and be the leader your family needs and create a safer environment for you and your loved ones today.
What Are the Best Home Security Ideas?
1. Alarm System:
Alarm systems are the most time-tested and best home security decisions you can make. The market has several options which include off-site monitoring giving you a direct connection to the Fire or Police Department. They also act as an early warning to a break-in if you happen to be at home.
2. Deadbolt Locks:
Deadbolts provide an added layer of protection to your doors and overall home security plan.. They’re harder to pick or force open compared to traditional spring latch locks.
3. Lighting:
Number 3 on my list is a very versatile tool but one that gets overlooked as a security measure. Most lighting is designed to make your home look appealing. But, it can also be used to illuminate the dark corners of your property and provide a better environment to use other security measures on this list.
4. Security Cameras:
Home security camera systems have become extremely affordable with a vast array of features including, night vision, motion detection, 4k/HD quality video playback, and large storage in the cloud.
5. Window Security:
Reinforcing windows by installing window sensors or a security film directly to the pane can help prevent unauthorized entry
6. Home Automation:
Smart home technology has become linked with safety and security. They can allow you to control lights, locks, and alarms remotely, making it look like someone is home even when you’re away.
7. Door Reinforcements:
Reinforced doors and frames will make it dramatically harder for intruders to break through and into your home.
8. Security signs and stickers:
The use of something as simple as a Security sign from a Security Alarm company in your yard or driveway can make a true impact on burglars’ decision-making on which house to hit.
9. Neighborhood Watch Programs:
These community-led programs have been shown to significantly reduce crime in your area by having active participation from residents in monitoring suspicious activity and reporting to the authorities.
10. Secured WiFi Network:
Home automation makes for a great step in your home security plan but, you need to also protect your WifFi system as the backbone of that step. Keep hackers are bad actors away.
11. Regular Maintenance:
Another simple but overlooked step is making sure your security equipment gets regular maintenance so it will be ready when you need it most.
12. Landscaping:
Keeping your landscaping maintained can provide another layer of security for your home by opening up dark hiding spots on your property.
13. Secure Sliding Doors and Windows:
Reinforce sliding doors with bar or rod locks in the door or window tracks so they can not be opened easily.
14. Know Your Neighbors:
Being a good neighbor can give you a low-cost but effective layer of protection by knowing your neighbors and agreeing to watch out for each other’s property.
15. Secure Air Conditioning Units:
Ground-level AC units are easy access points for intruders. Make sure they are installed securely and add an additional barrier for good measure.
16. Install Door Viewers or Peepholes:
These allow you to see who or what is on the other side of a door without having to open it. This is a tried and true security measure.
17. Security Fencing:
A solid security fence around your property is a great deterrent to would-be intruders and can add to the aesthetics of your home.
18. Timer Switches:
Using timers on lights and other devices to go on or off at certain times can give the appearance of someone being home.
19. Mail Collection:
While you’re away from home for more than a day or two have a neighbor or someone collect your mail. An overflowing mailbox indicates no one is home, giving thieves a target.
20. Smart Doorbells:
These have become a must-have for every home as they provide a significant layer of security. They have a camera with audio so you can communicate with them or check on packages.
21. Dogs:
Dogs have been used for security for centuries. They can provide comfort as well as security. If you’re a dog person I would highly recommend getting one.
22. Security Gates:
A valuable additional layer of security that is a deterrent both physically and psychologically
23. Vibration Detectors:
These can be installed on windows and doors and alert you when they sense and
24. Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms:
While these don’t prevent burglaries, they are essential for the overall security of your home and can easily layer onto your larger security system.
25. Quality Home Safe:
If thieves do gain entry into your home a quality home safe can limit the amount of valuables they can take.
26. Personal Emergency Response System:
A device worn or carried on the body to alert emergency personnel when activated. Especially helpful for the elderly or infirm.
27. Install Sirens:
Sirens are the best at alerting your whole neighborhood when install on the outside. Intruders who trigger your alarm system will be met with a loud siren and flood lights.
28. Central Monitoring System:
This is a feature most alarm companies offer. Allowing communication directly to your home in the case of an alarm.
29. Security Grilles or Bars on Windows:
Not the prettiest look for your home but provide a hardened layer to your security plan when added to your windows on the ground level.
30. Driveway Alarm:
This allows you to be alerted whenever a vehicle enters your driveway. Whether friend or foe.
What Is Home Security
Home security is all about creating a safe, secure place where you and your family can relax. It’s like your home’s very own shield against the bad stuff, keeping out anyone who shouldn’t be there and making you feel safer and more secure.
We start with the simple stuff, like locks on our doors and windows. But we also have gadgets like alarms, sensors, and security cameras that work together to keep an eye on your place, day and night. If anyone tries to get in, the alarm sounds off, and the cameras can catch them in the act.
But technology will only get you so far. A big part of home security is you. Your behaviors and mindset. It’s things like not letting everyone know when your house is empty, keeping your expensive stuff out of sight from prying eyes, and even teaming up with your neighbors to keep an eye out for each other. So, home security is all about using the right tools and a little common sense to keep your place safe.
How Can Home Security Benefit You
Here are just some of the benefits of having a strong home security plan:
- Protection of Valuables: This is the benefit most people immediately think of. We likely all know someone who has lost electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items due to a home invasion. The tragedy is compounded when the item is an irreplaceable family heirloom. A home security system has alarms to scare off many would-be burglars and can notify the authorities if someone does attempt a break-in.
- Deters Crime: Studies have shown that as the number of home security systems increases in a residential area, the number of residential robberies decreases in that area, even for people who don’t have their own security system. Having a security system not only protects you but helps your neighborhood be a safer place for everyone.
- Lowers Homeowner’s Insurance: Yes, you may be paying a monthly fee for your security system, but having the system in your home can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 20%. It’s one way to save some money.
- Notifies You of Fire or Gas Problems: You can opt to receive notifications if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off when you’re away from home. Depending on the provider, you can set it up so authorities are instantly notified of these emergencies.
- Peace of Mind: The sense of security and peace you gain with an alarm system is perhaps the greatest benefit of all. Next to being safe, the confidence of feeling safe will help you be a more productive, healthy, and focused individual
Conclusion
After spending 30 years in hotel security I can tell you planning is the number one action you can take to protect yourself and your family. When I would make out a security plan at a hotel I would look at the guestroom first and build the plan out from there.
I would start with the guestroom doors. Does it have an industry-standard lock, is there a privacy latch as a secondary lock? Does the door have a peephole for someone to see who is outside the door? Is the door equipped with a door-closing device, so when I leave the room the door will automatically close and lock behind me?
You could do the same to your home. Start with making an inventory of what you already have. Locks on doors and windows, do you have lights on the outside of your home like on the porch if you have one? Start thinking about little things that can better protect your home and family. Where is your home located? What is the neighborhood like? Is there a lot of crime in the 1-mile radius of your home? These answers will help better equip you to then start making your plan about which steps to take in making your home safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best home security camera system without a monthly fee?
- There are many to choose from but the SimpliSafe Home Security ranks the highest.
- What is the easiest home security system to install?
- There are several DIY security systems like the Ring Alarm Pro that are easy to install and have great features for your home security.
- Do home security cameras have to be connected to WiFi?
- The short answer is no. You can have wired cameras and self-contained battery-operated cameras. This will depend on your particular needs.
- What is the best home security system for the money?
- This will depend on whether you are installing it which is a DIY system like the Ring Alarm Pro or a service provider like Comcast Xfinity Home
- What is the #1 rated home security?
- Vivint is overall the best system for the money
