When you move, worrying about security and safety tips for your new home might not be the first thing that comes to mind as you start settling in. However, taking the time to ensure your house isn’t vulnerable to burglaries or other kinds of incidents is wise.
By making the right safety and security choices, you’ll be able to protect yourself, your family, your belongings, and your property. Plus, there can be a financial benefit.
If you want to make sure that your new house is in the best shape possible, here are some safety tips for your new home.
Securing Your Entry Points
When it comes to burglaries, your home’s entry points represent its most vulnerable areas. By taking steps to secure your windows and doors, you make it harder for a person to get inside without your knowledge or permission.
Here are some house safety tips that can help keep your entry points secure.
Change or Rekey Your Locks
During the closing process, you get the keys to your new home. While it’s easy to assume that you’re the only one with copies of those keys, that may not be the case. The previous owner may have kept a set or given copies to other people they knew while they lived in the house.
Since you can’t be certain that no one else has copies of your keys, rekeying or changing your locks is your best bet. That way, you reduce the odds that someone else can simply unlock your doors and walk inside.
Install a Security System
If you’re wondering, “Should I get home security systems installed?” the answer is often yes. Comprehensive security systems for houses can be an ideal way to protect your home from intruders.
The benefits of home security systems are usually pretty clear. Having a network of cameras, window sensors, and door sensors lets you ensure that you’re notified of any unauthorized entry.
Plus, with some security systems, you may be able to view camera footage in real-time on your phone and even speak through the cameras if you see someone approaching. In some cases, the video is also recorded to the cloud, ensuring it’s fully accessible.
Security Systems vs. Alarm Systems
Property alarm systems are alert-based solutions. Some of the most basic versions simply create a loud tone when an alarmed door or window is breached. More advanced systems may do a bit more, such as alerting a security company about the breach or sending a notification to your smartphone.
Security systems are more comprehensive. They’ll usually feature more device types, such as security cameras and motion detectors, giving you more insight into what is happening in or around your house.
Wireless vs. Wired Security Systems
When it comes to having a wired vs. wireless alarm system, each of the different home security systems has its benefits and drawbacks. With a wired system, the sensors, cameras, and alarms have hardwired connections. You don’t have to worry about wi-fi connectivity issues or dying batteries, as the devices are connected straight to your internet and electrical wiring.
However, since it involves connecting to your wiring, professional installation is usually a necessity. Additionally, it may be necessary to cut holes in your walls to add panels, sensors, or wire connection points.
Wireless systems are usually battery-powered and use wi-fi connectivity. This makes them far more portable. Plus, you can typically install the system yourself, as you don’t have to connect the devices to your wiring.
However, there’s always a chance a battery will die at an inopportune moment. Additionally, stealing the device may be easy for thieves.
Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems
A home security company is notified when certain alarms or sensors are triggered in your home with a monitored security system. This allows the company to intervene on your behalf by calling the police if the system detects a break-in, allowing for quicker response times.
Unmonitored security systems or alarm systems aren’t connected to a home security company. Instead, the information is only available to you.
When it comes to cost, unmonitored systems are more economical. Usually, security and alarm monitoring services have an annual or monthly fee associated with them, while that doesn’t occur with unmonitored systems.
Security Systems and Homeowners Insurance
If you’re wondering, “Does having a home security system reduce homeowners insurance costs?” the answer is usually yes. It’s possible to see a discount as high as 20 percent depending on the kind of security system you have in place and the insurer you use.
Since the price reduction can be significant, you may have an easier time deciding, “Are security systems worth it?” In some cases, the savings offset a considerable portion of the installation and monitoring costs, allowing you to maintain a safer home without breaking the bank.
Add Smart Locks and Closing Systems
Smart locks and door closing systems can be a great addition to your house. Many systems allow you to lock your doors remotely and can alert you whenever they open. With some smart closing systems, you can shut your garage door using your smartphone. That’s ideal if you tend to forget, ensuring you can keep your home secure even if you’re away.
Shine a Light
Breaking into a home while sitting under a spotlight isn’t a burglar’s idea of a good time. As a result, by keeping your entry points illuminated, your house isn’t an ideal target, increasing the odds that a burglar will pass it by.
Make sure that you have functioning lights near your doorways, preferably fixtures with dusk-to-dawn sensors. Additionally, adding an outdoor motion sensor light (or several) to your home’s perimeter – particularly in any shadowy spots that aren’t easily seen from the street – is a smart move.
It’s also smart to opt for an LED security light. You can go far longer without having to worry about the lamp burning out. Plus, they use less energy.
If you really want to save or you need to add a light in a spot that isn’t wired for a light, choosing a solar-powered LED wall light can be an excellent option. It will get all of the energy it needs from the sun, allowing it to operate wire-free.
Use Window Stops and Sliding Door Security Bars
Window stops prevent someone from opening your window even further if it’s already open, allowing you to ventilate your home while remaining secure. Security bars for sliding doors do essentially the same thing, ensuring that someone can’t slide the door open if it’s cracked.
Most window stops and security bars are incredibly easy to install and use. Additionally, many blend into the window or door frame, ensuring they don’t detract from the look of your house.
Safeguarding Against Fire and Water
Protecting your home against fires and water damage is essential. There are many devices available that can reduce your risk of an incident and alert you if an issue occurs.
Monitored or smart smoke detectors can be a great place to start. With those, you don’t just get the traditional alarm if smoke is detected; you’ll also get a smartphone notification. Monitored systems will also alert the security company, allowing them to contact the fire department right away.
Along with smoke detectors, consider adding stovetop fire extinguishers over your burners. The extinguisher automatically goes off if the fire reaches the device, reducing the flames’ chances of spreading. If you’d like to go the extra mile, you can also have a professional install a fire sprinkler system in your home.
Installing a water leak detection system is also smart. The sensors monitor water flow through pipes, and if it detects anything abnormal, it automatically closes a valve, shutting off your water. It’s a great option for reducing the impact of a potential leak, giving you a way to prevent a significant amount of water damage should an incident occur.
