We all are excited about buying our first home!
But, in that excitement of owning a new space that is entirely our own, we make some rookie mistakes when it comes to security. Initially, you do put a lot of effort into the ironclad safety of your house, like putting in alarms, sensory cameras, etc.
But, you are also prone to make some mistakes down the line. We have surveyed and found out most of the common mistakes that are done by homeowners in terms of security.
As the 7 top home security mistakes that homeowners need to avoid making are presented underneath, take them as a fair warning and make sure you avoid them at any cost.
Rookie Home Security Mistakes That Homeowners Need To Avoid
These mistakes will sound harmless at first, but they can lead to serious problems when you least expect them. The reason why you should be aware of them is that intruders and burglars keep looking for these loopholes to enter your house.
These actions are taken in haste and should be avoided, especially when you live alone or have kids in the house.
1. Leaving The Windows Unlocked
To ensure full safety when you leave, you should carefully check all the house doors and windows, especially the bolts of the window and the backdoors. This is a mandatory measure for all the valuable items that are locked in your house.
Especially if you have left your kids alone with a babysitter who isn’t quite well accustomed to the map of the house, checking the windows is a must before you exit, but sometimes windows do break in because the material is mostly glass.
This is why you need a strong alarm system that will prevent breaking and entering. Click https://smiththompson.com/security-systems-san-antonio/ to get the best home security services for installing an alarm system today.
2. Not Locking Garage Door
This is one of the biggest mistakes, which is so common that it is scary. We have all heard horror stories about stalkers and intruders easily entering the house with just an open door.
There is a door in your garage that leads to your house, at any circumstance that should be locked with a proper locking system unless someone opens it from inside. Unfortunately, this door is the biggest attraction for people for breaking and entering.
A garage should also have installed a security system, proper lighting, and most importantly, an ironclad door that cannot be opened from outside.
3. Keeping The Garage Gate Open When Not Needed
This is again another mistake that happens very often. The garage is mostly opened from the inside, even when it is not used. Even if there is a need to use the garage, one could enter from the gate inside the house.
Avoid keeping the garage gate open at night; this is probably the easiest and the biggest entrance for the intruders and stalkers out there. Instead, an excellent suggestion is to put an intrusion alarm inside the alarm or motion sensors to detect anyone’s presence, even if you are in the other corner of the house.
4. No Perimeter Security
When we talk about security, if you are going to have a strong security system inside your house, then the same should be given to the outside part. This is something that should be considered if you are getting a professional to install your security equipment.
General people forget to get proper lights for the porch or the long drive—even a camera for the space outside or a motion sensor for the backyard. The interior of your house is not the only place that you need to protect, but the entire exterior until your property lasts.
The lack of outside security can also fail to intimidate the burglars or intruders waiting to commit a crime.
5. Leaving A Ladder On The Side Of The House
Leaving a ladder outside your house is literally inviting suspicious break-ins. You have to be careful about these tools and equipment, which can easily give anyone access to enter some of the most private areas of your house.
Every time you work with them, do not keep them in places that can allow people to use them. Instead, this equipment should be kept inside the house, locked in the basement or attic.
6. Leaving Places For The Intruder To Hide
When was the last time that you cut those ‘human height’ hedges from your backyard, or since when have you kept that equipment room outside the main house unlocked? These are very easy hiding places for the people waiting to intrude, open your valuable belongings, or even you.
You cannot be careless because it is only through your strong preparation for security, the intruders will get intimidated. Just like a garage (which is also another excellent hiding place for burglars), you should always keep your utility room, garden room, greenhouses locked.
Plus, get some help and cut those hedges today.
7. Hiding A Key Outside The House
This might be the last one on our list, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, it is the most important one since it is so common. Forgetting your keys is like an everyday habit for some people, and in order to fight them, we always find new and innovative ways to hide a spare outside our house.
This is not only dangerous because the literal weapon of entering your private property is left unattended, but every intruder can anticipate all the hiding places. So, take your keys!
But, if you are prone to forgetting, then you can keep a spare with your neighbors. But, seriously, stop keeping your keys underneath the mat.
Final Note
Home security should be our first priority when we own property. Besides these few common and big mistakes, we should also stop sharing our whereabouts on social media. This just lets people know that you aren’t at home.
Installing a proper security system is essential. Although some might be a little on the costlier side, it is an excellent investment for the long term.
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