Tips on Home Security from A to Z

Keep Your House Safe and Secure When You’re Home and (Especially) When You’re Not!

In Louisville and across the nation, crime is on the rise. Now more than ever, it’s important to make your home (as well as your car, lawncare items, sports equipment, etc.) less appealing to burglars. Here’s a breakdown of things from A – Z that you can do to make your home more safe and secure.

You’ll find lots of options and tips for implementation, including some that require professional installation and others that have simple but effective DIY solutions.

A

Alarm System — Do your researchand choose the option that protects you the best. A home alarm system that is professionally installed and monitored 24/7 by an outside company requires a subscription, but it will directly contact your local fire and police departments when alarms are triggered. These systems also provide a credit on your homeowner’s premium.

A DIY-installed security system allows you to monitor your home using smart home technology. You can build an alarm system with extra security components depending on your specific needs.

B

Basement Security — Don’t forget that basement windows can provide easy access to your home. Consider getting window sensors to alert you if a window is opened or broken.

C

Cameras — Having an extra set of “eyes” outside and inside your home can be a huge plus in terms of security. There are smart technology systems available so that you can access and view when you’re not home. Having a camera on your porch or even a Ring-type doorbell can help prevent package delivery theft and alert you when someone is at your front door. Consider cameras for the backyard to view sheds, patios, and pools. Inside cameras also allow you to monitor activity while you’re away.

D

Don’t Forget About Items in Your Car — Car break-ins happen more frequently than home break-ins, so make sure to always lock your car doors, even when parked in your driveway. Lock your glovebox if it contains personal identifying information, such as your car registration or insurance cards. Don’t leave items such as checkbooks, cash and any identifying information in your car. Don’t leave packages, sports equipment, electronics, or anything else expensive inside your car!

E

Eliminate Temptations with Visible Items — A simple way to prevent burglaries is to not have valuable items in plain sight, such as near first-floor windows for intruders to see from the outside. Be careful where you store items such as bicycles and golf clubs; are they safe and secure?

F

Fences and Gates — These can help prevent intruders from coming onto your property, but don’t forget to lock them if security (not privacy) is your goal.  Burglars often will move on to another property if your home has a barrier like a locked gate and fence. However, high fences can provide the bad guys with hiding spots, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons depending on your specific yard and neighborhood.

G

Garage Security — Don’tget lax when it comes to your garage since it can provide easy access from the outside of your home to the inside. A few things to keep in mind: keep your garage doors closed and locked except for when you are entering or leaving the garage; consider door alarm sensors; make sure you always lock the inside door to your home from the garage so that if anyone gets into garage, they can’t get inside the main part of the home; and don’t leave your automatic garage door opener inside your car if it’s parked outside.

H

Hiding Keys Outside — So many homeowners do this in case someone in the family forgets or loses their keys. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that your hiding space is that clever! If you do decide to hide a set of keys, don’t put them under a doormat, inside a planter, or even near the door. Put them somewhere far away from the door and in a very unique spot. Or, better yet, give a trusted neighbor a spare set of keys. Also consider getting a keyless doorknob with a code to open the door or a keypad so you can enter through the garage.

I

Inventory of Assets — Protect yourself and your assets if your home is robbed by having a detailed list of your valuables. This allows you to be more specific when notifying police of your stolen items, plus, you’ll want specifics when making claims with your insurance company. Your inventory should include valuable assets such as antiques, paintings, jewelry, electronics, designer purses, etc. Make sure you include the item description and serial numbers and consider taking pictures of each item. There are different apps or online systems that can help with this process, or you can put everything into a binder.

J

Join Neighborhood Watch Group — Consider getting involved locally, especially if you have concerns about theft or other crimes in your neighborhood. You want to be on top of what is going on and have insight from the police. Plus, many police departments will come out to your home and help you identify potential risk factors around your home.

K

Keyless Car Theft — You may love your key fob, but these devices have made it easier for car burglaries too. Keep your key fob away from the windows and doors inside your home and consider storing them in a metal container when not in use. Experts recommend purchasing an RFID pouch online to block the signal a key fob emits. You don’t want the signal from your key fob to be “grabbed” from the outside by burglars who want to break into your car.

L

Lock Doors and Windows — Many homeowners think they live in a safe neighborhood and get a bit overconfident when it comes to locking their doors or windows. Don’t make it easy for anyone to enter your home, whether you’re busy working in your home office, running a quick errand, or leaving a door unlocked for a late-night teen. Take the time to lock-up and close the garage doors so that no one can enter your home uninvited.

M

Monitor Home After Service/Cleaning Visits — We all want to trust people, especially those who come to our homes to provide a service, but these days, you have to be vigilant. Unfortunately, many robberies are done by those who have visited a home and scoped it out. Make sure your windows and side doors are locked after a visit, put away valuables before you have a service visit to remove temptations, and never give a key or door code to anyone.

N

No High Hedges or Shrubs — You may pride yourself on your garden and yard, but keep in mind some high hedges and shrubs make your home less visible from the street, and thus, easier for burglars to sneak around and hide. Don’t let greenery overgrow near front windows and doorway. And always make sure the second story windows near trees are locked, since branches can make it easier for burglars to climb up and access your home.

O

Outdoor Lighting — To discourage burglars, make sure your home is well lit at nighttime; use motion sensor lights, porch lights, landscape lights, etc. There are many options (some solar or those with smart technology) to ensure your home isn’t pitch black when you are away. And be sure there are some lights on inside as well.

P

Package Deliveries — Don’t let packages sit on your front porch all day. Get alerts when packages are delivered so you or someone else can pick them up promptly. Or, have packages delivered to a drop off center, like Walgreens or FedEx. Also consider a door camera (like the Ring doorbell) for monitoring. Also when you buy large expensive items, make sure you cut down boxes so that you’re not advertising what you bought when you put out your trash or recycling.

Q

Quit Posting Pictures When Traveling — Do you like to share photos on Facebook or Instagram when you’re on vacation? Don’t. Wait till you’re back home to post them so your empty home is not a target for break-ins. You just never know who might discover that you’re away, and of course, you want to be especially careful when you’re gone for extended times.

R

Reinforce Exterior Door Security — Make sure your front door and other outside doors are secure. Visit a local hardware store to stock up on hardware and smart technology or make an appointment with a door manufacturer or locksmith. I can give you a recommendation if you need one.  

Things to consider: replace old locks with more secure door locks and deadbolts that can’t be easily picked by; consider keyless entry systems; get a strike plate or door brace to ensure the door can’t be kicked in; install security cameras; re-key the doors if you’ve given any service people your key.

S

Smart Home Security Tips — You’ll find many options for smart home technology to improve home security. Do your research to determine the best options for your home and your lifestyle. Hire a local company to install professional monitoring or install DIY options. You can find these items online or locally.

You’ll find entire alarm systems that connect to your WiFi (make sure you have a secure router) and individual options, such as alarm sensors for windows and doors, doorbell camera/video, outdoor cameras, panic buttons, motion sensors for inside hallways, remote control of door locks, inside cameras, sensors with capabilities to monitor through a smartphone app.

T

Timers and Automation for Inside Lights (and Dog Barking) — Burglars usually don’t want to enter a home with activity going on. That’s why you should always make it seem like someone is home even when you’re not. Consider getting timers for interior lights throughout the house or for your TVs. Some homeowners even get simulated dog barking to scare off intruders. Many of these products come with smart home technology so you can control them remotely.

U

Use Common Sense — Keeping your home secure requires you to stop risky behaviors and become more aware of how your home may look to others. Have some house rules in place. For example, don’t leave bicycles or scooters in your front yard; don’t leave your garage door open all day providing easy and quick access to your home; don’t get distracted by sales people at your front door (you don’t have to answer any doors); don’t let packages pile up on your front porch; don’t turn off (or forget to arm) your alarm systems; don’t give your keys to your housekeepers or handymen, etc.

V

Vacation Strategies — Before heading out on vacation, let trusted neighbors know so that they can monitor your mail or package deliveries, take out your trash, and be wary of any strangers around your home. Be certain to set alarm systems, timers for lights, motion or break-in sensors, security cameras, and other smart technology devices to be used remotely while you’re away.

W

Window Alarm Sensors — Even if you always lock your windows, you may want extra protection with alarm sensors. If your home has many glass windows or large glass doors, window sensors can detect or alert you when they open, close or are broken. Other products, such as window jams, only enable your windows to open just a few inches.

X

Be Xtra Secure and Install a Safe — It’s smart to store items like expensive jewelry and important paperwork in a safe. You can find many options, including safes that can be wall mounted or are fireproof, waterproof, or even floatable (if you home is at risk for flooding). Gun owners: be sure you are storing your firearms safely and securely. I can help you find a local distributor if needed.

Y

Your Second Floor Safety— Put as much thought on the security of your second floor as you do for your first floor, especially if you think your home and neighborhood are more vulnerable to crime. Consider window sensors on upstairs windows, especially if you have second level balconies, flat roofs, or a climbing tree near your home. Some homeowners put motion sensors in upstairs hallways, extra locks on their master bedroom doors when sleeping, or even have a “safe room” to hide in case intruders enter while they are home.

Z

Zero In On Glass Sliding Doors — Bolster your sliding doors by adding a metal or wooden rod to prevent it from opening by an intruder. Or, add additional locking devices and install a door sensor to alert you if it opens or the glass is broken.