These days, you can never tell when your safety at home will be compromised, especially since there’s no real way to predict the future. A simple mistake of posting that you’re home alone on social media can lead the robbers your way, and you won’t even know until you’re actually in the sticky situation.
While most homeowners don’t believe that they’ll be targeted for a break-in or home invasion until it happens to them, you should be none the wiser. The statistics for break-ins and invasions alone should be enough cause for worry, so don’t wait until it happens to you before you start acting on it.
Your home should be your safe space away from the chaos of the outside world. But how could it be when you’re constantly worrying about leaving the doors and windows unlocked or flinching at every sound that you don’t make? Don’t sacrifice your safety and well-being just because you don’t want to spend more money.
Besides, not all security upgrades cost a fortune. You can protect yourself and your house without breaking your bank if you know the right upgrades to get. That said, here are three practical upgrades that you can install to burglar-proof your home:
Home Security System
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would already know that having a home security system installed in your home is one of the most effective ways to protect it. Aside from the fact that security cameras alone are enough to deter some thieves from breaking in, these cameras can also be your eyes and ears when you’re asleep or outside your home.
With an all-around home security system, you can be immediately notified in the event of a burglary, even when you’re not at home. Some security systems even come with motion sensors that can alert you if it senses any movement in the proximity of your home, which can be a good add-on if you live in a sketchy neighborhood.
But keep in mind that a good home security system doesn’t necessarily have to put a hole through your pocket. Thanks to modern technology, most security systems are much more affordable today than they were in the past. So choose a dependable and affordable security system that can increase the level of protection in your home.
Window Bars and Covers
Windows are fairly easy to break into, especially if they can be found on the ground level of your house or in your basement. Don’t let your fragile windows fend for themselves when you can do something about it, like install window bars and covers, so they can block the thieves’ potential entryway.
The window bars can also double as an aesthetic upgrade that can increase your house’s curb appeal. There are plenty of window bar designs that you can choose from for your house; they don’t necessarily have to look like you’ve locked yourselves in. Rather, the steel bars are meant to keep the burglars out.
Another protection that you can have installed is custom covers for window wells. Most window wells are added to create an alternative source of lighting in the basement, but they also double as a way to keep the soil farther from the house’s main exterior walls. By installing a cover, you can eliminate the possibility of burglars using these openings to invade your home.
Door Deadbolts and Chains
Sometimes, door locks are simply not enough to protect you from the thieves of the night. If you want an old but gold solution that’s practical, you should consider adding deadbolts or chain locks to your doors. Or if you want a third option to keep your doors secured, you can also use a swing bar lock.
Remember that nothing is indestructible, no matter what type of security mechanism you decide to install on your doors. Therefore, you should also consider having more than one lock on each door, if only for your additional protection, because many burglars enter through the front or back doors than the windows.
If you want to splurge a bit more on securing your doors, you can also install smart door locks as an alternative to the usual lock-and-key mechanisms. Instead of using a traditional key to open and lock your doors, you can simply use a key fob, key card, or even a security code to control your doors.
There’s no such thing as being too safe, especially when it comes to protecting yourself and your house. Don’t wait until you lose valuable possessions during a break-in or are physically hurt because you fought off a burglar to secure your home. Besides, you only have one life; that’s why you should do your best to protect it.
