Our homes are meant to be our safest haven, yet a lot of crimes still occur within an abode’s walls. To lower the security risks, many homeowners have automated their homes, installing CCTV cameras and remotely controlling some appliances and other equipment. However, as technology improves, so are the hackers’ skills. If you’re unlucky, your security system can be breached, making intrusion still possible even with smart devices installed in your home.
No system, manual or automated, is ever foolproof. Every home will always have security risks, and it’s just a matter of mitigating them. Let’s see all the possible crimes that may happen to any home, and the ways to prevent them.
1. Intrusion
If you don’t have fences and gates installed, burglars see it as an open invitation to intrude. They will find access through the windows or doors that you may have forgotten to lock or take their chances when you’re out of the house to shatter your windows or break down your doors.
Install durable metal fence panels and gates to secure your home. You don’t necessarily have to automate them to reinforce security, because then you’ll face another risk, which is being hacked. Just have your metal fences at a height that would discourage intruders, and use tough deadbolts and padlocks. Remember, they want their jobs to be as easy as possible, so they’ll avoid homes that may slow them down or put them at risk of being caught red-handed.
2. Thievery
If your cars, bikes, and grills, especially expensive ones, are exposed outside your home, thieves will be itching to get their hands on them. It may feel nice to show them off, but those items aren’t worth the security risk. Stow your grill away in the garage after using it, and also keep your cars and bikes in there, with doors to prevent unauthorized access. If the garage has windows, use curtains to conceal your items from view.
3. Arson
What’s worse than being robbed many times over? A house fire, especially one that’s deliberately started. Arson may happen even without the arsonist being physically present at your home. They could simply jus thack the controls of your smart appliances, making them overheat and burst into flames. It’s dreadful to think about, but we can’t dismiss that this may happen with our smart appliances that are not safeguarded against security threats.
Select smart appliances that allow you to lock the settings to discourage unauthorized individuals to access them. Outside, remove shrubbery that blocks the view of the house from the curb. Install motion-detecting lights and other devices, and clear the interiors of debris that arsonists may use to kindle a fire.
Additional Security Tips
Alwayskeep your doors, gates, and windows locked, even if all occupants are present inside the house. Invest in a safe for all your important documents, IDs, cash, and other valuables. At night, double-check if all accesses to your home are properly locked, including garage and any other outbuilding doors and windows. Also invest in security systems like CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and sensors. If you’re automating your home, boost its security features so that it’ll be impenetrable to hackers.
When you’re going on a vacation and no one will be left at the house, talk to a trustworthy neighbor to watch your home for you. Ask them to collect your mail, throw their trash in your garbage can, and leave tire tracks at your driveway (if you’re leaving on a winter). This will fool potential intruders into thinking that you’re home.
Spread awareness about security risks as well, because criminals may victimize your neighbors if they can’t break into your house. Set an example by practicing these security risk mitigation strategies, and as your neighbors follow suit, your community will have a reputation for being safe.
