Have you been wondering about how to make your home safer? The good news is that there are dozens of tech-based and non-technological ways to make your residence a safe place. And the really great news is this: you don’t have to fork over a ton of money to enhance the security of your home. So, if you look forward to sleeping soundly at night but don’t want to break the bank, consider the following inexpensive strategies (in no particular order) for feel safe in your home:
- Add Perimeter Cameras: For less than you’d spend on a weekly trip to the grocery story, you can purchase a half-dozen or more mini-cams that serve as security eyes around the outside perimeter of your house, detached garage, or your entire property. If you want, you can direct the video feed to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC, or any remote device that has a monitor. Some of the fancier models come with motion-detection capability, high-resolution images, and built-in lights.
- Install Smart Locks:Smart locks have come a long way in just a few years. Their low price tags and easy installation are just two reasons you’re seeing more and more of them on new and older homes. Burglars can’t pick them and risk setting off an alarm if they even attempt to fool with the mechanism. You can put smart locks in yourself or, better yet, hire a professional to do the job.
- Get a Virtual Dog: You can buy an electronic system that emits loud barking sounds when someone knocks on the door or rings the bell. Most people who use these clever devices only turn them on at night or when they’re away. A perfect pairing is to use both the virtual barking dog and to place a permanent dog house in your back yard. Bonus: You’ll never have to buy dog food or clean up messes.
- Use Motion-Detecting Spotlights:For a few bucks, add motion-sensors to any spotlights on the outside of your home. These budget devices are perfect for letting would-be intruders know that you take security seriously. People have used motion-detecting flood lights on their driveways for decades but it helps to strategically place them all around the outside of your house.
- Alarm Every Window:Loud, miniature window alarms are every homeowner’s best friend. They are simple to install, cost a few dollars each, and can be set up to run on batteries, wall current, or both (with the batteries as a backup in case your electric power is out of commission during a storm). If you like fresh air, no need to worry; most of these devices can be set to sound their noisy alarms whenever the window if moved from its current position, even if you leave it opened a few inches for air.
- Employ Random Timing for Interior Lamps: Lamp and interior ceiling light timers have been a staple of the home safety retail market for more than 50 years, but many people seem to forget that they exist. Take advantage of this penny-pinching approach to residential safety by setting your room lamps, kitchen lights, and other visible light bulbs to come on and go off exactly when you want them to. Timers are an excellent way to make potential thieves think you’re home even when you’re away on a long vacation.
Depending on the size of your home and its unique features, you might decide to use one, two, or more of the listed items. The key feature of the suggestions is that they deliver excellent security, can be used on most any home, and are low-cost choices that make sense.
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