There are so many elements that go into securing the outside of your home that it can feel overwhelming at times. If you’ve just bought a new house, you’ll likely be trying to figure out what to prioritize to keep you, your family, and your most valuable possessions safe.
Luxury apartments can only offer you so much protection, you will also need to take your own home security seriously. As is the case with most things, it’s best to start with the basics. In this article, you’ll learn three key areas regarding home security to focus on in the beginning.
The Importance of Strong Gates
When it comes to securing the home, gates are one of the most important elements. They’re the first obstacle that a potential thief will encounter, and if they’re heavy-duty enough, the gate alone may deter them altogether.
There are many different types of gates to choose from, but the most important factor is durability. Go for metal if you can: materials like steel or wrought iron. These sorts of gates stand the test of time and last a lifetime, and they’re best at resisting forced entry.
You can add additional layers of protection to your gates by installing cameras: there are many cameras that now utilize smartphone apps to alert you at a moment’s notice (whether you’re home or not) if an intruder is present.
Be sure to consult with a professional driveway gate builder to see what type of gate is most appropriate for you.
The Benefits of Surveillance Systems
While surveillance at your front gate is very helpful, you’ll also want a system that extends beyond this area and around the perimeter of the property. Cameras aren’t only placed for filming intruders in the event of a break-in, either – they’re also a good deterrent for when a burglar assesses your home.
Besides the gates, cameras are best positioned at the main points of entry, such as any doors, your garage or driveway, and low windows.
An alarm system is another essential component for home security. Most systems come with sensors that can both detect a break-in at your entry points and traditional motion sensors that can be positioned throughout the interior of the house (in the event that a burglar manages to get past the security measures on the outside).
Strategically Placed Lighting
You’d be surprised by how effective lighting can be in both alerting you and your neighbors to a burglary and preventing one in the first place.
Anywhere that you can reduce shadows and improve illumination is a less likely spot for a break-in, so make sure the entrances, pathways, and dark corners of your property are well-lit. Smart lighting systems are often your best bet: these can connect to your phone and are often solar-powered, with the beauty of functioning independently of your normal electrical systems.
The smartphone connectivity usually also allows them to be scheduled appropriately so that you can save energy, and many also implement alert systems to tell you if they’ve turned on for whatever reason (as well as numerous sensitivity settings to suit your needs).
Robust doors and locks
76% of burglars enter a home through a door (34% go through the front door!). It’s therefore vital that all exterior doors to your home are secure.
Start by considering the doors themselves. Thick doors made from materials like glass reinforced plastic or steel are very difficult to break through and will put off most burglars.
The hinges and door frame also need to be secure. A decaying door frame or worn hinges could make it easy for a burglar to force open a door. Make sure these parts of the door are strong.
The lock is the most important part of a door. Make sure that all exterior doors are kept locked when you are not inside and that the locks use a deadbolt or a multi-locking system. Electric door locks have become more popular in recent years because they add an extra layer of security. Some electronic door locks even require you to use biometrics on your phone to open them.
Wrapping Up
Securing your home doesn’t have to be complex – once you’re set-up, you won’t have to think about it much again, and you can rest assured knowing that you and your family are secure.
