Home security should be a high and constant priority for any modern family. Even in a neighborhood with limited criminal activity, there are always crimes of opportunity. There have been incidents where teenagers and dangerous passers-by walked in through unlocked back doors or crawled through open windows. The last thing you need is to become the next theft or vandalism victim when a little extra effort could keep your home secure.
Today, there are two levels of security to consider; traditional and "smart home." Classic home security tips are still valid, and not everyone is smart-upgrading. But if you have or are planning to install bright home elements, home security is an essential consideration in your intelligent device design. Let's dive first into seven traditional home security techniques and the top 5 clever home security methods in use today.
Traditional Home Security Measures
1. Install Motion-Triggered Floodlights
Motion-triggered lights tend to frighten off opportunistic thieves. Floodlights illuminate your yard, driveway, and front walk to make it nearly impossible to sneak up the drive. Together, they're an excellent way to ward off unwanted visitors.
2. Lock All Doors and Windows - Even Upstairs
Make sure to lock every door and window when you're asleep, away, or alone. Also, don't forget windows and any balcony doors upstairs, as some intruders can climb.
3. Drop a Bar in the Sliding Door
Have a sliding glass door with a weak latch? This is normal, and so is the solution. Drop a bar, board, or broom handle into the groove behind the sliding glass door when it's closed. That will stop it from being opened, latch or not.
Key Code for the Garage for Late Night Entry
4. Privacy Curtains and Backlights
Please don't make it obvious when you are or are not home. Instead, draw privacy curtains and turn on lights behind them. A soft glow from the house will look like someone is home without indicating who.
5. Anti-Thief Landscaping
Landscaping is interestingly essential when it comes to stopping home intruders. Make sure your trees are not second-story climbable and that your shrubs are not cut in a way that can serve as cover. Instead, focus on rolling designs that could not hide a crouching figure.
6. Aperture-Breach Home Security System
Old-school home security systems focus on aperture breaches. Essentially, it detects when a door or window has been opened. The system works well as long as everyone adheres to the open-close protocol.
Smart Home Security Upgrades
1. Ring Video Doorbell Security
Ring doorbells are video doorbells and porch security systems in one. Already, Ring doorbell owners have contributed to solving and preventing neighborhood crimes. Any incident on the street can get captured in multiple angles and times when numerous neighbors have smart doorbells. First, of course, you need to wire the Ring into your home's doorbell and electrical system.
2. Wifi Camera Placement
A wifi camera is a camera that doesn't need a long USB cable to work. Instead, it can sit in a bit of alcove, sometimes on battery power, and record everything. This makes for convenient intelligent security cameras. Combine with a home security app for complete room-to-room coverage.
3. Smart Locks that Lock Themselves on a Schedule
Smart locks have become essential for a safe, smart house. A smart lock with a keypad can have a unique code made for every family member. Some codes might only work between certain hours or on certain days. Guest codes only last for a few days. Smart locks can also lock themselves every night and whenever you leave the house via the app and smartphone.
4. Smart Locks for Late Night Entry
Smart locks also serve as a replacement for the hide-a-key risk. Instead of hiding a key, each family member can use their code, fingerprint scan, or phone wave (depending on your lock) to get inside after hours without putting the house at risk.
5. At-Home Simulation Routines
Using routines and lights in a smart home can appear that someone is at home. If you want to avoid the impression that your house is vacant while away, set up a system of turning on lights and playing music in different rooms. Your home will seem occupied and possibly even haunted.
