Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you should be able to relax and feel safe. But sometimes, that’s not the case. Whether you’re at home or away, you can do things to make sure your house is as safe as possible. Burglars can invade your home, or you may worry about a fire breaking out. Some of these dangers are out of your control, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your home safe and sleep peacefully at night.
1. Invest in Home Insurance
Your home is likely your most valuable asset, so it’s vital to insure it in case of damage or theft. Look into different insurance policies and ensure you have the coverage you need. An insurance policy can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home and belongings are protected. Most insurance doesn’t cover everything, and the coverage probably won’t include natural disasters, so it’s essential to read the fine print. Go for home warranty covers that have comprehensive protection. That means it should cover most of the appliances in your home and the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
2. Install a Security System
A home security system is one of the best ways to deter burglars and keep your home safe. There are many different security systems available to choose the right one for you and your budget. Most security systems include sensors that detect when a door or window is opened and alarms that sound when the system is triggered. Some security systems also have cameras that allow you to monitor what’s going on in your home, even when you’re not there.
3. Keep Windows and Doors Locked
This may seem obvious, but it’s essential to ensure all of your windows and doors are locked, even when home. Burglars can be brazen, and sometimes all it takes is an unlocked door or window to enter your home. If you have a security system, make sure it automatically locks all doors and windows when activated.
4. Don’t Advertise Valuables
If a burglar knows you have valuable items in your home, they may be more likely to target your house. So don’t advertise your valuables by displaying them in front of windows or leaving them in plain sight. If you have expensive jewelry, keep it hidden in a safe place. And if you have high-end electronics, consider investing in surge protectors, so they’re not easily damaged.
5. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, use timers for your lights and electronics to make it look like someone is home. You can find timers at most hardware stores, and they’re relatively easy to set up. Plug the timer into the outlet, and then plug your light or appliance into the timer. Then set the timer for the desired length of time, and your light or appliance will turn on and off automatically. This is a great way to deter burglars and give yourself some peace of mind while you’re away.
6. Keep a Close Eye on Social Media
If you’re going to be away from home, don’t announce it on social media. Burglars may see your post and target your house while you’re gone. Instead, wait until you get back to post about your trip. This will keep your home safe and prevent burglars from knowing that your house is unoccupied. Wait until you get back to post about your trip. In the meantime, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
7. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Speaking of neighbors, getting to know them can be a great way to keep your home safe. If you have good relationships with your neighbors, they’re more likely to look out for your house when you’re not there. They may notice suspicious activity and report it to the police or even deter burglars with their presence. So take the time to get to know your neighbors, and you may find that you sleep a little better at night.
8. Install Motion-Sensitive Lighting
In addition to outdoor lighting, you can install motion-sensitive lighting to deter burglars further. Motion-sensitive lighting turns on when it detects movement, so it can help illuminate areas that are otherwise dark and make it more difficult for burglars to get around undetected. You can find motion-sensitive lighting at most hardware stores, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project. Follow the instructions that come with the lighting, and you’ll have a secure home in no time.
9. Keep Your Yard Well-Maintained
Keeping your yard tidy is another way to deter burglars. If your yard is overgrown and cluttered, it can provide burglars with a place to hide while breaking into your home. Trim the bushes and trees, mow the lawn, and keep the flower beds tidy. This will make your home look more inviting and less attractive to burglars. You can also install a fence to deter burglars further and increase the security of your home.
10. Get a Dog
Dogs can be great deterrents for burglars. Even the sound of a barking dog can be enough to scare off a potential burglar. And if a burglar does manage to break into your home, a dog can be a great way to protect yourself and your family. Just get a dog that’s good with people, as you don’t want a dog that will bite innocent passersby. But even if you don’t have a dog, you can still pretend as you do. Install a fake dog alarm or decoy alarm, which will make it sound like there’s a dog barking inside your home. This is a great way to scare off burglars and deter them from targeting your house.
11. Store Your Valuables in a Safe Place
If you have valuable items in your home, it’s important to store them safely. This will help protect them in case of a break-in, and it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your valuables are safe. A home safe is a great option, as they’re difficult to break into and easy to hide. You can also store items in a safety deposit box at your bank or a storage unit if you have one.
So there you have it: eleven ways to keep your home safe and sleep peacefully. By following these tips, you can make your home less appealing to burglars and increase the chances of being caught. And by feeling safe and secure in your own home, you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep without worry.
