6 Cheap and Easy Ways to Improve Home Security

A high-tech home security system is the best way to guarantee the best protection for your home. If one of these systems is not in your budget right now, though, there are several affordable ways to improve home security without breaking the bank. Check out these cheap and easy ways to improve your home’s security until you are ready to invest in a high-tech system.

Install (or Upgrade) Window Shades

If you don’t have window shades or the ones you have are mostly transparent, it’s easy for someone to look inside your home. An inside view not only shows off your possessions; it also lets would-be intruders know whether you are home or not. Window shades are available in numerous styles, and there is an option to suit just about any budget.

Lock Up

You have locks on your doors and windows – Use them! Most burglars look for the easiest point of entry, and if you leave your first-story windows or front or back door unlocked, it’s like an open invitation. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times.

Keep Up with Landscaping

Overgrown shrubs and bushes provide perfect locations for intruders to hide. Prune them regularly to eliminate hiding spots. You may also want to think about replacing large foundation plantings with low, thorny bushes that deter prowlers.

Use Timers

If you are going away on vacation or you just are not home most evenings, install timers on interior lights and televisions. Digital timers make it easy to create the illusion that someone is home even when your house is empty.

Light Up Your Property

Make use of dusk-to-dawn lights and motion sensors to light up dark parts of your property. Well-illuminated lawns are less appealing to intruders because they do not provide easy hiding spots. Motion sensors are also a great way to scare off anyone who may be prowling your property.

Be Careful on Social Media

We’ve said it many times before, but it’s worth repeating: Be careful about what you post on social media. Don’t post that you are on vacation or away from home, and think twice about checking in to locations far from your home. Feel free to share vacation highlights once you’ve returned home, but avoid broadcasting that your house is empty while you are away. Also, double check your privacy settings. Make sure your profile and posts can only be viewed by friends, and make sure your friends are people you know and trust.

Protecting your home and family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By simply following the few simple tips listed above, you can improve your home’s security without breaking the bank. For additional advice or to learn more about our residential security systems, security cameras, etc., please feel free to contact us.