Your New House Security Checklist: 8 Things to Look After (Plus a Cheat Sheet)

Excited to move into a new house? While decorating your home is fun, security needs to be your number one priority. According to the FBI Crime Clock Report 2018, burglaries happen every 25.7 seconds! Here are some of the things you can do to make your home more secure. 

1- Start with Your Door Security

An estimated 34% of home burglaries happen by compromising front door security. If you are moving into a new home, the first thing you need to do is ensure your door frames are reinforced and protected. 

If you are moving into a pre-owned home, make sure that you get all the doors replaced to keep yourself safe for maximum home security. If you have a mail slot in your door, make sure that it cannot be compromised to unlock your front door from inside. 

If you have sliding glass doors, ensure that they are reinforced and cannot be compromised. Glass doors might looks fancy but they are very easy to get compromised. You can also opt for smart home security systems to be alerted whenever someone tries to trespass while you are away. Glass doors should be paired with wireless alarm systems for added security. 

Pro Tips: 

• Use a deadbolt
• Use smart locks
• Install a strike plate 

2- Windows Reinforcement

The most common entry point after doors is your windows. Most manufacturer-supplied latches are not good enough and you should consider getting an aftermarket window lock for each of your windows. 

You can also install key-operated locks on your windows for added security. The best way to prevent home burglary incidents is to use reinforce your window with a security film. They make your glass windows unbreakable without hurting the aesthetics of your home. 

Pro Tips: 

• Install glass-break window sensors
• Add Window Bars
• Plant bushes or cacti outside your windows.

3- Make Use of Lighting

The best way to prevent burglars and vandals from encroaching your property is to make use of good lighting. If you have ample outdoor lighting, it discourages criminals from trying to break into your home.  

If you want to save energy you can opt for solar lights or set your lights on a timer so you don’t rake up high energy bills. It is important to have lights in your backyard, pathways and your garage. It not only keeps burglars away but also keeps you and your family safe from mishaps. 

Pro Tips: 

• Use smart gadgets for automated lighting.
• Use solar lights.
• Install motion-activated lights

4- Protect Your Garage

With home owners being cautious about home break-in, burglars are now targeting the next most vulnerable entry point of your home – your garage. Even if burglars can’t access your home due to security measures, they can choose to loot your garage instead. 

The easiest way to protect your garage is to install a garage door safety sensor. Digital locks that require a passcode to open are also very handy at protecting your car and other belongings you store in your garage. 

It is important to have locks on both the interior and exterior of your garage for added security. If you have garage windows, take the same security measures as you would with your home. Check for any insecure areas in your garage and potential points of entry. 

Pro Tips:

• Have adequate lighting around your garage
• Use additional locks for your garage
• Use a personal alarm 

5- Use Personal Gadgets for Added Security

One of the biggest issues with using multiple security systems for various parts of your home is the micromanagement. Using a personal gadget for managing all your security systems is a great way to streamline your home security. We recommend checking out Mimic Go™ which is not just a personal alarm but an all-in-one security hub. 

It is an all-in-one security hub that can protect any part of your home and your belongings. It is super portable and you can hide it anywhere in your house. If you want to protect your house from breaking in incidents, such personal security products can be very useful.

Mimic Go™ allows you to not only protect your doors, windows and garage but also has a built-in alarm, a phone-based notification system. You can also use it for drawer safety and gun safety in addition to your overall home security. 

Pro tips:

• Use personal gadgets like Mimic Go™ that do not require a monthly subscription fee.
• Use gadgets that are powerful, affordable and always connected.
• Opt for gadgets that connect your entire security setup in a single platform.

6- Secure Your Internet

If you are going to use a personal security system it is not only important to think about main house entry safety but also about your internet security. While home automation is fantastic you do not want to put your personal security information at risk and get your security systems compromised. 

If hackers get access to your security system passkeys they will be able to break into your home without any effort. There are a few key things you can do to keep yourself secured. If your Wi-Fi is connected to your smart gadgets, ensure that you have proper security measures in place. You are more likely at risk if you are using an apartment security system as others can easily spot your Wi-Fi network from neighboring homes. You can hide your network to prevent others from accessing your Wi-Fi. 

Setting up a firewall and having a secure passkey are two basic steps you need to follow. One of the best things you can do if you have a digital security system is to have a separate network for your home security that you do not share with your personal devices like your smartphone or laptop. If you have children make use of parental controls to kids from accidentally compromising your home security. WPA and WPA2 protection come by default on most modern wireless routers and you should leave them enabled to secure your home from burglary. 

Pro Tips:

• Hide Your Home Network
• Use Strong Passwords
• Make use of Antimalware protection 

7- Security Cameras

Security Cameras might not be the best tools to prevent break-ins but they are extremely useful when it comes to catching burglars. If you manage to nab the footage of anyone breaking in, you can present it to law enforcement for quick action. It is also a great way of monitoring what’s happening around your home even if you are not around. 

It is important to have a good security camera layout around and inside your home to cover all entry points and exits that burglars may use. It is recommended to pair your security cameras with mobile apps that can monitor footage from anywhere. 

Motion detection and night vision are two important features you should be looking for in security cameras as they help detect any unusual activity even in the middle of the night. Local or cloud storage can also help store footage to log all activity for extended periods of time. 

Pro Tips:

• Make use of local or cloud storage
• Use weatherproof casing
• Avoid cameras being from visible in plain sight 

8- Protect Yourself While You Are Away

If you are heading out on a vacation or simply do not spend too much time at home, it is important to have safety measures in place to keep your home safe. Some of the best things you can do to keep your home safe when it is empty is to have automated lighting that makes it look like you are home. It will dissuade burglars from trying to break in. 

While you are away make sure that your door alarms and smart home products / gadgets are properly set up and working. If you have cash or valuables in your home, keep them tucked away in a safe hidden from plain sight. 

The final thing you can do is to ask a family member to watch over your home once a day. If you don’t have family members living nearby, try asking a neighbor but only if you completely trust them. 

Pro Tips:

• Don’t reveal your trip details on social media
• Secure your doors and windows
• Have automated lighting

Conclusion

Securing your home does not have to be risky and cumbersome. You can follow our advice and move into a new home without worrying about break-ins and burglaries. If you are in a risky neighborhood do not be hesitant to seek assistance from the cops if you are going to be out of your home for extended periods of time. The peace of mind that you get when you know your home is fully secure is worth the effort and investment into your security.