Making Your Home Safer

Strengthening the security of your home protects both you and your belongings while giving you peace of mind. There are countless ways you can make it safer without spending a lot of money.

Secure your windows with rods and safety film to make breaking in more difficult, and use smart devices to give the impression someone is home.

1. Install a Security System

Security systems can serve as an effective deterrent against burglars. Sirens and alarms can sound when breaches occur, alerting both you and authorities (if professional monitoring is in place).

Security systems work together with various devices to monitor for fire, carbon monoxide and extreme temperatures in your home - as well as notify you if something such as leaving the stove or curling iron plugged in happens to happen accidentally.

As a homeowner, look for a system that is scalable so that it allows for adding sensors or panic buttons as needed and multiple app users. Cellular systems may also provide greater protection as Wi-Fi networks can be more vulnerable to hacking attacks.

2. Install a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers in your home are essential protection in case of an emergency situation, so make sure at least one is located on each floor and mounted for easy access.

Keep a fire extinguisher close to any heating equipment, particularly in your bedroom. Many house fires start due to people smoking cigarettes or lighting candles in their room; having an extinguisher nearby will allow you to put out these fires before they spread further.

Be sure to install an extinguisher within 30 feet of any cooking areas in your home, and ensure all able members of your family understand where these extinguishers can be found and how they should be used.

3. Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the first line of defense against fire. Most home fires begin by smouldering before becoming fully-flared blazes; 2/3's of fatal home fire incidents happen while people are sleeping.

Most smoke detectors are powered by long-life lithium batteries and include features to notify users if their battery levels drop too low.

Smoke detectors should be placed on every level of your home and near all bedrooms for optimal fire safety standards. Most national fire safety standards advise installing at least two smoke detectors within any given dwelling.

4. Install a Door Lock

Door locks are essential to home security, providing a physical barrier against intruders looking to break in. A deadbolt offers tighter seal and is harder to break than traditional knob locks.

Smart door locks add another level of security by enabling you to control who enters your home. From children returning from school, to friends watering your plants or deliveries arriving at your door, with personalized passcodes you can let people in when necessary and even receive alerts whenever the doors are opened or closed!

5. Install a Motion Detector

Burglars and vandals often target homes when residents are asleep or not present, which makes installing motion sensors an effective defense. By instantly lighting up any suspicious areas with exterior lighting, you can deter criminals before they make their move.

Avoid false alarms by keeping sensors clean of dust and dirt. Lights that turn on automatically can also assist those who struggle to locate items in dim lighting environments, such as grocery boxes or bikes in garage.

Businesses can utilize motion detectors to open up automatic door openers and save energy costs by only activating lights when customers arrive.