There is always excitement when moving into a new home. It is much easier to put your focus into unpacking, choosing where to put furniture and decorating but implementing simple security measures should not be overlooked.
Here are a few ways to secure you home:
Change the Locks
You never know who has a spare set of keys regardless of it being a new build or a second-hand property. Replace the locks on every exterior door and add deadbolts.
Check the Windows
Don’t make it easy for intruders to gain access to your home. Inspect all window and repair or replace as needed. Make sure all window frames fit and close snugly, and replace any that are damaged.
Add Security Lights
Install security lights to keep burglars at bay. Lights with motion detection provide safe passage on walkways and in doorways, and they help stop intruders in their tracks. Smart lightbulbs are another way to upgrade your lighting and improve security. You can then have the added safety of being able to control exterior lights from your smartphone no matter where you are.
Secure Tools
Even during the chaos of moving in, take time to find a secure spot to lock up lawn mowers, trimmers, and other tools. Don’t leave tools, garden or otherwise, in the garden or haphazardly stowed in the garage or shed.
Install a Security System
Burglars have reported that they skip homes with security cameras and alarm systems. Consider investing in a monitored alarm for that extra piece of mind. These may also offer additional fire protection and can immediately contact emergency services if a fire breaks out.
Secure your WiFi
Your home wireless network is the gateway to your personal and financial information. And if your Wi-Fi network is connected to smart home gadgets or your security system, it could give criminals direct access to your home.
There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure you do not leave yourself vulnerable:
Secure your wireless router using strong passwords
Enable WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption
Rename and hide your home network
Make your House Number Visible
Be certain that emergency personnel can easily find your home. Post numbers that can be seen from the street. And make sure your house number can be seen after dark—add a light or use luminescent numbers. If you want to post your address on the mailbox, use the house number only and avoid adding your name.
Use Timers and Home Automation
Turning you regular house into a smart home is one of the most satisfying things you can do as an adult. And if you are on the fence of whether to do this or not, the added security benefits should be reason enough to follow through. Home automation can give you remote (or scheduled) control of lights, door locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other safety devices. You can get real-time alerts about suspicious activity, so you can respond quickly and ward of potential thieves.
Here are some of our favourite ways to use home automation to increase security.
Schedule lights to turn on and off when you are on vacation or away from the house
Scare away opportunistic burglars and porch pirates with a two-way talk through a smart doorbell
Get an instant video feed whenever someone walks up your driveway
Check on a smoke or CO alarm and cancel false alarms from your smartphone
You can even schedule that your curtains open and close in the mornings and evenings