Home security is a big topic that affects everyone. Whether you’re living in a high-crime neighborhood or want your family and property safe, home security is a top priority for many people.
In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of home security, how people can DIY their home security, and the devices you can use to get the level of home safety and extra security you’re looking for.
Do home security systems keep you safe?
Home security systems are a great way to protect you and your family from intruders. By having a home security system in place, you can deter potential burglars from targeting your home. A home alarm system also provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are safe and secure.
Home security solutions for every need is available on the market
There are various home security systems available on the market, so it’s essential to choose one that best suits your needs and budget. Home security systems include motion detectors, alarms, and video surveillance. Home security systems can be purchased as a service or set up your own home security system as a homeowner.
I want to be clear and say that the thought of having a third company watching my home creeps me out. Personal home security is not something I would ever outsource unless I become so famous for writing helpful content like this, then I’d have no choice.
You get the idea, and Home security is the homeowner’s responsibility. You can accomplish this yourself, using your existing home wi-fi network and a few smart home security cameras or DIY home security system.
Pro tip: some can even alert your local police department. Keep reading for more home security tips.
What if you want a professional installation from a security company?
Regarding your home’s security, you may opt for a professional system installation from a security company. Security companies offer various services, including alarm systems, video surveillance, and home security monitoring. The cost of a home security system varies depending on the company and the features you choose.
On average, homeowners pay between $600 and $1,200 for a professional security system installation. This price typically includes the cost of equipment and installation fees. However, there may be additional costs for monthly monitoring fees and maintenance contracts ranging from $60 and up.
Here is the caveat, who’s going to watch the security company? you’ll still need to set up your own hidden security camera and we’ll show you how to do just that with a couple of simple tips.
What are the basics of home security?
Regarding home security, there are a few basic things that everyone should do to make their home as safe as possible. Here is a checklist to stay safe at home.
1. Installing a home security system
2. Securing your exterior doors and windows (including the garage door) and not leaving the door unlocked.
3. Installing outdoor lights
4. Keeping your home well-maintained
5. Creating a safe environment for your family
6 Put a security sign on your lawn
7 Don’t overshare on social media
Securing your doors and windows is another important way to protect your home. Make sure all and any entry points have sturdy locks, preferably smart locks for all the locks. You must also ensure that windows are properly secured when not in use, especially first-story windows. Don’t leave your house and spare keys in prominent places, such as under the mat.
Outdoor lighting is also an essential deterrent for burglars, so ensure plenty of light surrounds your home inside and out.
It’s also essential to keep your home well-maintained both inside and out. This includes maintaining shrubs trimmed so that burglars can’t hide behind them, keeping windows and doors clear of obstruction, ensuring your garage door can’t be forced open from the outside, and keeping the common entry point front door well-lit at night.
Don’t reveal specific details of your home or life on social media, such as being away from home or mistakenly revealing your house number.
How can I protect my home without a security system?
There are just a few principles homeowners can apply to protect their homes without using a security system. These fall under prevention and privacy, like not leaving a spare key under the mat. One of the most important is to make sure all of the doors and windows are properly secured.
This includes sturdy locks on all the doors and windows and ensuring that windows are properly secured when not in use. Be creative in finding ways to make it impossible for intruders to gain entry into your home and prevent break-ins.
Another critical step is to get to know your neighbors.
Knowing your neighbors is an important part of keeping your home safe. When you know your neighbors, you can monitor each other’s homes and report any suspicious activity. You can also borrow things from each other in case of emergencies.
Use self-defense or security flashlights.
A good security flashlight will have a strong beam that can disorient an intruder and a loud siren to scare them further off. Having a flashlight that is easy to use in an emergency is also important.
When choosing a security flashlight, get one bright enough to disorient an intruder. The light should be powerful enough to cause temporary blindness and make it difficult for the intruder to see. The flashlight should also have a loud siren to startle the intruder and make them flee the scene.
It’s also essential to have a flashlight that is easy to use. In an emergency, you don’t want to fumble with the buttons in the dark. The flashlight should be easy to turn on and off and activate the siren.
Put security signs on your lawn and install a Fake Security Camera.
One easy way to deter burglars is to put a security sign on your lawn. This will let would-be intruders know that your home is protected and that they are likely to be caught if they try to break in.
You can also make a burglar’s job very difficult by mounting a fake security camera. Most burglars will avoid homes with security cameras, knowing they will likely be caught on tape. You can buy fake security cameras online or at most hardware stores.
Turn on your front porch lights
My front porch lights are always on; This makes it difficult for intruders to determine if I’m home or not, and you should do the same. You can make this easier for yourself by using smart lights that will turn on based on a routine.
Keep valuables out of sight
One way to protect your valuables is to keep them out of sight. Burglars are less likely to target your home if they can’t see your valuables. Keep all valuables, such as laptops, TVs, and jewelry, in a room that is not visible outside the house.
These simple steps can help protect your home from burglary without needing a security system but they are not burglar-proof. This is why it is recommended to have a security camera at the least for home safety.
What does a home security system include these days?
Most security systems include motion sensors that detect movement inside and outside your home. These sensors can be very helpful in preventing burglaries, as they will activate the alarm system when someone attempts to gain entrance into your home.
Other sensors are commonly included in security systems. They include glass-break sensors that can be useful for exterior-facing sliding doors and regular door and window sensors. Glass-break detectors will activate the alarm if someone attempts to break your first-floor windows or sliding glass doors. Door/window sensors will do the same if there’s an open door or window that is protected by the sensor.
Additionally, you can opt for DIY-friendly Smart security devices that can be controlled via a hub and a smart speaker like Google Home and Alexa or an app on your smartphone. These intelligent devices can usually be bundled with other devices like smart locks for your front door and other entry points to gain entrance into your home. Smart doorbell, smart camera, and some with built-in WiFi.
Here are 5 smart security camera systems and gadgets to prevent a break-in and would-be burglars.
For the home with a professionally monitored system in place and all other homes, a hidden security camera.
1. These smart 360 light bulb cameras can be hidden in plain sight on your exterior lights such as your garage.
SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System
2. How about a home DIY security system, this 8-piece Ring Alarm Pro? It comes with optional 24/7 monitoring available on amazon. And compatible with most home automation systems.
Amcrest Smart Home Security Outdoor Camera
3.This Amcrest Smart Home Security Outdoor Camera comes with Flood Light, and a Built-in Siren Alarm. It’s Waterproof, and uses MicroSD for local storage & option for Cloud Storage. It’s compatible with Alexa, and other home automation gadgets.
4. Easy does it, right? This bundle includes 2 Blink Outdoor Cam Kit with a 2 YEAR battery life and an Alexa echo show device to see and control your cameras. Very little effort is required from you to configure this device as it’s user friendly.
ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro
5. Worry no more about an unlocked door. This ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro comes with WiFi, Bluetooth, fingerprint, and a keypad for a true Keyless experience. Your front door can now be locked and unlocked from virtually anywhere.
Garage door sensors and hubs
This list would not be complete without a smart garage opener. How many times have you forgotten to close your garage door? I’ve forgotten to close my attached garage doors countless times, even in winter. Whenever it happened, I felt my home was a revolving door and failed my family. Smart garage door sensor to the rescue. There are different makes and models of sensors and hubs out there but they will retrofit most if not all garage door openers.
How do smart garage door openers work?
How it works is the hub pairs with your garage door opener just like any ordinary remote. You mount a sensor on your garage door that sends information to the hub. The hub will know when your garage door is closed or not. They also work with your smart home assistant and can check on a schedule to check the garage door.
Here is the garage door hub you can find on Amazon today.
Chamberlain MyQ Wi-Fi Smart Garage Door Hub
This hub works with my regular Garage door opener (Non-Smart)
Final thoughts
Home security is a journey, not a destination. It would help to do due diligence and regularly test your security systems to confirm their integrity. Be sure to have a home security and safety plan and review it with the family. Remember to check out our post on smart safes for your valuables.
Thanks for reading to the End!
