Your home should be your safe haven — the one place you can go and relax after a long day out in the world. However, if you want to maintain peace of mind within your private space, it’s vital that you take steps to protect it.
Unfortunately, many homeowners make some common mistakes with home security. These missteps make their residences more susceptible to burglary, vandalism, and midnight break-ins.
Fortunately, most of these mistakes are relatively easy to fix. With that in mind, here are five of the most common home security mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Having a Home Security System
According to Consumer Affairs, about 28% of American households have a home security system. That means nearly three out of four homes aren’t protected. Is your home part of the remaining 72%? If so, you are making one of the most egregious home security mistakes.
Don’t fall prey to the “It will never happen to me” mindset. Instead, be proactive about maintaining your peace of mind.
How to Avoid It
This is an easy one. Buy a home security system that includes wireless connectivity and automated alerts. The best options will automatically notify the authorities in the event of an emergency. They also feature backup batteries and cellular service, which ensures they can still send out notifications in the event of a power outage.
2. Purchasing a Solution That’s Complex to Use and Maintain
Purchasing a security system is a great first step to solving the most egregious home safety mistake. However, you should be careful not to fall into yet another misstep: overspending on a complex solution that’s tedious to use and maintain.
Many home security systems have to be hardwired into your home’s electrical infrastructure. Unless you are a skilled electrician, you’ll need to hire a professional installation company.
How to Avoid It
You don’t have to spend thousands on a security system and professional installation services. A DIY wireless home security system offers plenty of protection, a simple setup process, and all of the bells and whistles you’ll find on pricier models.
The best DIY systems, such as tattletale®, can be set up in seconds. In less than a minute, you can have your system up and running. Your ideal option will offer wireless connectivity, a user-friendly mobile app, and all the features you can think of (plus some you didn’t even know you needed).
3. Forgetting to Lock Your Doors and Windows
After you’ve invested in a home security system, it’s time to focus on some other common residential protection mistakes. One of the worst offenses involves leaving your doors and windows unlocked.
Even if you live in a “safe neighborhood,” it’s important to keep your doors and windows secure at night and while you are away from home. Getting complacent can literally leave the door open for burglars.
In fact, about 1/3 of burglars enter residences through the front door. Upgrading your front door and keeping it locked can go a long way toward deterring criminals from entering your home.
How to Avoid It
Make it a habit to lock all doors and windows whenever you leave your home. You should even do so if you are just going down the street to complete a quick errand.
Consider installing high-quality deadbolt locks and window latches for added security. Additionally, smart locks can provide an extra layer of protection by allowing you to control and monitor your locks remotely.
4. Failing to Install Adequate Lighting
If your home is poorly lit, it’s easier for intruders to approach the structure unnoticed. Dark spots around your property provide cover for criminals and can increase the risk of break-ins.
How to Avoid It
Ensure that your home’s exterior is lit properly, especially near entry points such as doors, windows, and garages. Motion-activated lights are particularly effective, as they can startle potential intruders and alert you to their presence. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that can save on energy costs while improving security.
5. Leaving Spare Keys in Obvious Hiding Spots
Stashing a set of spare keys near your front door can be a lifesaver in case you ever misplace your primary keyring. It’s also a great way of ensuring family or house sitters can access your home in case you are out of town.
However, leaving spare keys in an obvious hiding spot, such as underneath your doormat, is just asking for a break-in. A savvy intruder will check all of the obvious places, including flower pots, under the aforementioned doormat, and above the door frame.
How to Avoid It
If you want to leave spare keys around, use an alternative hiding spot, such as a fake rock. An even better option involves giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend. You could also install a combination lockbox or equip your front door with a smart lock. Any of these strategies is far better than stashing a spare key under the doormat.
Enjoy Peace of Mind With tattletale®
The first step to a safer home involves investing in a high-quality security system. Skip the overpriced and difficult-to-install options. Instead, go with a tattletale®, the wireless DIY home security system you can set up in seconds. Check out our selection of residential products and order your tattletale®HOME today.
