With crime rates at an all-time high, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve their home security. There are a number of security systems on the market that help to add a bit of protection to property and families and many of these are very affordable and easy to install. In addition to security systems, however, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind that will help to make your home a bit less accessible to intruders.
Even if you have a home security system in place, it is always a good idea to ensure that your doors are solid. Many burglars enter homes by kicking in the doors. If your door is hollow, it is much easier to get through. Solid wood and solid steel doors are the best options for keeping unwanted visitors out and keeping your family safe inside. Of course, the door is not the only problem. Doorjambs can also give under pressures, particularly right near the strike plate. Exterior doors can be strengthened a bit with deadbolt locks which are very inexpensive and easy to install.
Another way that intruders enter is through windows. Many windows are designed to help keep intruders out but not all homes have these windows installed. Security window film helps to lower your risk of being burglarized by someone smashing through the windows. In fact, many safety window films can withstand pressures of up to 400 pounds. While this film is not technically inexpensive, it can be very helpful in preventing break-ins which essentially means that it will pay for itself. If you choose to have window security film installed, you will need professional installation and you can expect to pay around $100 per window. Window locks should also be strengthened and this can be done by inserting eyebolts into the sash or by installing locking scissor gates.
You may have already heard that lighting is one of the best ways to prevent intrusion. Most criminals will pass by houses that have lights burning inside or out. There are a number of low voltage lighting systems that you can install yourself that are very inexpensive. Many home security systems allow you to connect these lights to motion sensors so that if someone does attempt to enter your home, the lights will instantly kick on.
One very inexpensive way to help protect your home is to organize a neighborhood watch. If you live in an area that has many houses, you can get together with your neighbors and talk about a watch program. There are many sites online where you can get more information about how to organize a watch program and what you need to do once you have your neighbors on board.
Adding a home security system is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your risk of intrusion. There are many on the market that offer monitoring services which will alert you by phone if someone enters your home while you are away and if they cannot reach you, they will notify the police. Taking a few steps to boost your home security will help you to significantly lower your risk of being victimized by burglars and many of these steps are inexpensive and easy to implement.
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