Whether your neighborhood has experienced a bout of burglaries recently or you simply want to tighten up security, taking measures to keep your family safe should be a top priority. Burglaries are common in the United States and so it is wise to keep the home as secure as possible. Here are a few ideas to help you keep your family safe at home.
Concealed Carry Weapon
Burglary affects every single state in the U.S and according to Statista, this type of crime is the third most common. For many Americans, one way to keep the family safe is to keep a concealed carry weapon in the home. A handgun is an effective deterrent for intruders. Simply showing your gun to an intruder could stop them dead in their tracks and make them think twice about carrying out a home invasion. If you have not carried a gun before, then the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with local gun laws. In some states, gun owners need a permit to carry. Here’s what you need in order to obtain a Texas handgun license online.
K9 Security
Guard dogs are great for protecting your property, keeping burglars at bay, and they also alert you to strangers who are within close proximity to your home. Dogs that have been trained well will be able to recognize friend from foe and can keep your family safe. Although a lot of dogs can be trained, some have a natural instinct to guard and protect. Akitas, german shepherds and boxers are all great choices as they have that protective instinct.
Motion-Activated Outdoor Lights
Setting up motion-activated lights in your outdoor space will deter potential burglars from entering your home. Intruders hate the spotlight. Illuminate your yard, porch and entryway with well-placed lights. Not only will intruders be more likely to stay away, outdoor lights will also prevent you and your family from tripping up in the dark.
Besides outdoor lights, smart light bulbs can be programmed to switch on at regular intervals. This is ideal for homeowners who are out of the house for lengthy periods. Scheduling lights to turn on at different times in the day can trick potential thieves into believing that someone is at home at all times.
Solid Entry Doors
Invest in solid entry doors to ensure your home is protected from opportunistic intruders. All exterior doors should be built for security with protected hinges that cannot be easily compromised. In addition, you should use reinforcements for added security. This includes installing a deadbolt and a strike plate. Besides secure fittings, if your door has a mail slot then check to see if a potential thief could reach in and open the door from this opening. If you have moved to a home that was occupied by someone previously, change all the locks. A brand new set of locks will give you and your family peace of mind that no one else can get into the home with a duplicate set of keys.
