Your home is your sanctuary. You want to feel safe and comfortable in your home--which means that there are certain precautions you should take to make sure that your home is protected. When securing your home, focus on these areas to ensure that your house is properly secured and safe.
Doors and locks
Don't make your home an easy target to burglarize by leaving doors open or unlocked. The first thing a burglar looks for is easy access into a home. Home invasions can occur at any point of the day, so even if you're only stepping out for a moment, lock the door behind you. If you're inside your home, lock your doors. Before going to bed each night, double check all your doors and make sure they are locked as well.
Use a solid core or metal door that is secured with deadbolt locks on your exterior doors. A good-quality deadbolt lock should have a horizontal bolt at least one-inch long. If you use a deadbolt lock with a shorter bolt, it will be easier for a burglar to spread the door frame and open the door to gain entry.
The lock housing should be made of hardened steel and it should be beveled. The hardened steel will make the deadbolt lock more resistant to impact and the bevels will make it harder for a burglar to twist the lock free.
Consult with a local locksmith if you have questions about what locks are best to use. If you're unsure how to change the locks on your home yourself, they can also install them for you.
Windows
Windows can easily be broken and then opened to gain entry into a home. If there are windows in your front door that are closer than 42 inches to the lock, you should install a special security film to prevent a burglar from being able to break the glass, reach in and unlock the door.
For the other windows in your home, it would be wise to install stoppers on each window that prevent them from opening more than six inches. However, if you decide to install the stoppers, be sure that everyone in the home knows how to take it off in case of an emergency
Garage
Your garage is not only an excellent space to store your tools, but it's also where you put your car to sleep every night. Automatic garage door openers can be bypassed by clever criminals which can allow them easy access to the rest of your home.
Automatic garage doors are required by law to have a safety mechanism that can be engaged by pulling it. Once it's pulled, the garage door will unlock and you'll be able to lift the door. A burglar can wedge a coat hanger through the seam of the door and pull the safety mechanism and gain entry. To lock the safety mechanism, run a zip-tie or two through the mechanism as shown in this video.
Whether it's installing a home security system or implementing these tips in your current or new home, take the proper precautions to keep you and your family as safe as possible.