A home security system is a great way to protect your home and family. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about all the other things you need to do to keep your home safe.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common home security mistakes people make in their homes.
1. Not locking doors and windows
It sounds obvious, but one of the worst things you can do to put your home at risk of being broken into is to leave your windows or doors unlocked. You might assume that burglars usually enter your home using brute force. But most burglars are looking for the least amount of effort and impact when breaking in because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Nothing makes this easier than an unlocked door.
People often leave a door unlocked or a window open when they leave the house “just for a few minutes.” However, most burglaries take less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
We encourage you to always lock your doors, even when you’re home. Use your home security and home automation system, including smart locks and mobile app alerts, to remotely lock your doors if necessary. Do a security check before leaving your home, making sure all doors and windows, even upstairs, are locked.
2. Ignoring second-story window security
People tend to assume that their second-story windows are safe from burglars. Although they’re a less likely target than first-story doors and windows, burglars will try to access second-story windows if they think they can get into your home that way. Don’t rely on a complicated staircase to act as a deterrent, as there are thieves who will find ways to get around open second-story windows.
3. Leaving your garage door open
Thieves are looking for an easy way to get into your home or steal something valuable quickly.
Leaving your garage door open, even when you’re in the yard or inside your home, gives thieves a quick way to take valuables or enter your home.
Modern smart home security technology can help protect your property by alerting you to any forced opening of the door. Smart garage doors allow you to check remotely via a mobile app whether your garage door has been left open. You can also use your mobile phone to close your garage door if necessary or grant access to someone who needs to enter your garage while you’re away. Read our tips here on how to further secure your garage door
4. Rely on a self-monitored home security system
A self-monitored security system is still better than having no security system at all. There are many DIY home security systems that you can set up yourself, but it’s important to know the limitations of a self-monitored system.
It might be tempting to assume that you’ll be able to monitor what’s happening on your home cameras or respond to any alarm notifications on your phone. But there’s a reason security companies offer monitoring services—it’s a full-time job. Your camera or alarm could be triggered by something harmless and you need to check it out. You might be busy when the camera detects an actual break-in and won’t be able to check in time. There are ways to monitor your security system yourself, but if you can’t afford to, consider letting a security company monitor the alerts for you.
5. Not Arming Your Home Alarm System
Arming your alarm, like locking your door, seems like a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked. It’s a fact that a home with an alarm is less likely to be broken into. Activating your home security system helps prevent theft. A professionally monitored home security system can also protect your home from costly water damage, dangerous temperature changes, and smoke or carbon monoxide accidents.
6. Alarm system software is not updated
Most security systems have software that needs to be updated regularly. These updates often include new features and bug fixes. In addition, older versions of software are often more vulnerable to hacking.
To avoid this, be sure to update your alarm system software regularly. If you want to keep your home safe, make sure you are using the latest version of your alarm system software so that you can take advantage of the latest security features.
7. Leaving valuables in your car
A car is not a place to store valuables. If you can’t park your car in a secure garage, be sure to remove all valuables from your vehicle, or at least place them in the car so that they cannot be seen through the windows.
8. The appearance of an unoccupied home
A house that has been temporarily abandoned is very attractive to thieves. Using smart lighting, sensor lights, and other home automation devices, it is easy to create the impression that someone is home. Outdoor lighting helps prevent dark hiding places and modern home security and home automation systems
