How to Create a Security Plan for Your Home in 4 Easy Steps

Your home is your sanctuary away from the stresses of the world. When you’re there, you should be able to relax comfortably, secure that you, your family, and your valuables are safe.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. From internal dangers like fire and flood to external weather, accidents, and crime, various threats can occur. While you can’t have a plan for everything, as the pandemic taught us, there are many ways to secure your home against common problems. This step-by-step guide takes you through 4 steps to boost your home security, helping you and your loved ones feel safer.

Step 1: Note the Access Areas

Cracks and openings in your home serve as entry points for fire, flood, criminals, and other hazards. These include doors and windows. While you don’t want to brick them up or cover them (that’s another danger in itself), you should have a plan to keep these vulnerable places from being easily accessed.

Walk through and around your home, and look for points of entry. Start your plan with these spots, and list how you’ll make them more secure:

• Doors from the outside and windows: Is the core of the door solid (hollow-core doors are easily broken)? Are the locks of good quality and condition? Are there deadbolts with a one-inch or more throw bolt on them? Are the window and doorframes reinforced and thick? Is any glass shatter-resistant? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s a problem area that needs to be addressed.
• Lighting: Consider installing motion-activated lights at all walkways and entry points. A well-lit home is a deterrent to criminals and can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
• Visibility: Keep trees and bushes from blocking windows and doorways. Not only is this a safety issue, but if your entrances are easily seen, it’s harder for someone to break in.

Installing windows and doors can be a DIY project, but if you want them to be safe from common threats in your area, such as fires or hurricanes, consider hiring a professional to assist you.

Step 2. Get a Home Security System

Something as simple as a Ring camera can be an effective way to deter potential criminals. However, these cameras won’t help you if they’re determined to break in or steal your outside valuables. A home security system through a security company offers comprehensive services that give you more control.

This article by Security Explorer explains what to look for in a residential security service. In general, you can expect burglar alarms that alert you and the authorities if there’s an unauthorized entry. Security cameras are placed at strategic spots on your property, letting you monitor your home no matter where you are. Motion detectors trigger lights (and sometimes alarms) if movement happens.

Monitoring your home is a 24/7 job, but homeowners can’t have a life and protect their valuables at all times, too. That’s where a security system steps in, offering preventative peace of mind against threats and instant contact with authorities when help is needed.

Step 3. Be “Smart” About Security

Take advantage of the fact that we live in a “smart” world, and use this technology to keep your home safe.

Simple automated systems give you control over your lights, locks, and security from your electronic devices. Check for carbon monoxide leaks in your laundry room and under your sink before a dangerous issue arises.  Set timer controls for your HVAC unit and lights, especially if you’re going away for a few days.

Sometimes, “smart” safety is old-school, though. Think: Neighborhood Watch-style. You don’t have to start a group patrol. Just introduce yourself to your neighbors and be friendly. Let them know you’ll keep an eye on their homes for them, and you’d appreciate the same.

Step 4. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

No one ever thinks the worst will happen to them — until it does. In an emergency, our emotions often take over, and we forget common-sense things. Having an emergency plan in place and training everyone in your family on what to do can help reduce confusion during chaos.

Start by making a list of emergency phone numbers in the area, including the police, fire department, and ambulance. Consider saving these numbers in your phone (and your children’s, if they have one).

Next, check key areas for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. If they’re missing, buy and install them. Teach age-appropriate children when and how to use them.

Sit down with your family and outline emergency plans for fire, flood, tornado, break-ins, and other emergencies. How will you get out of the house? Where will you meet? How will you contact each other if you get separated?

Finally, invest in a fireproof safe for your valuables. Place any important documents, cash, jewelry, and family heirlooms in the safe, and secure the key or combination. In case of emergencies, consider giving a trusted friend or family member a copy of the key/code, or keep it in a safe deposit box at your bank.

Conclusion

Planning for a secure home may require a lot of upfront effort, but you can take it one step at a time. Once everything is in place, it’s time to relax and enjoy the benefits of your preventive measures!