On average, there are about 1 million home burglaries in the U.S. each year. While that might seem like a lot on paper, when you consider the actual number of homes and families, invasions are pretty rare.
However, they do happen, and home intrusion is a common concern for many homeowners today. That’s especially true in certain parts of the country with higher crime rates.
Nothing feels more invasive than someone breaking into your home. Whether they end up taking anything or not, it’s hard to feel safe once your privacy has been disrupted in that way.
So, what can you do to secure your home against intrusion and keep yourself and your family safe in the process? Thankfully, there are more solutions than you might think, and most of them are easy to put into place right away.
Take Advantage of Security Tech
One of the most obvious solutions for keeping your home more protected is to install security cameras. They’ve been around for a while, and they offer a lot of protection when it comes to monitoring your home inside and out. If someone does end up breaking in, security footage will also make it easier to catch them and let the authorities bring them to justice.
Security cameras have also come a long way in recent years thanks to smart technology.
Most smart security cameras and systems allow you to “check-in” on your home from anywhere simply by looking at your phone. You can switch back and forth between cameras to see what’s going on, so not only can you make sure your home is secure (don’t forget to install them near your garage, too!), but you can look in on your kids or pets if they’re in the house alone.
Some systems will also alert you if there is any unexpected movement on camera, sending a signal right to your phone so you can take action if needed.
While traditional security cameras are great, if you’re going to invest, it’s worth it to get “smart” with your video surveillance and give yourself greater peace of mind.
Keep Things Lit and Locked
Most criminals are aware that what they’re doing is wrong – even if it doesn’t stop them from trying to commit a crime. While a burglar’s conscience might not keep them from breaking in, bright lights can be just the thing to deter them.
Keeping the exterior of your home illuminated with floodlights or solar lights is a great way to keep would-be criminals away. No one wants to get caught, and it’s easier to spot a burglar trying to break in if they’re surrounded by lights.
You can also deter someone from breaking in by improving the locks on your doors and windows. Some easy upgrades you can put into place include:
- Installing deadbolts on every exterior door
- Reinforcing doorframes and hinges
- Upgrading to smart locks
A burglar knows they have a limited window of opportunity to break into a home. If they have to spend a long time trying to figure out a lock – whether it’s on a window or door – it could deter them from actually breaking in, and they’ll be more likely to give up on your house.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a home intrusion might occur. Some burglars are better than others, and some seem to have no fear when it comes to breaking in and taking what they want.
What should you do to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe if that happens?
First, call the authorities right away. Calling the police the minute you know someone is in your home will give them ample time to get there before the burglar has a chance to run away and escape.
It’s also important to distance yourself from the intruder – especially if you have kids. Go to a secure room in the house and lock the door, or leave if it’s possible to do so without being detected.
Finally, though it might not be a fun topic of discussion, it’s a good idea to have a safety plan in place with your family to prepare for a break-in. Your plan should include things like:
- Points of entry and exit
- Accessibility needs
- What each person’s “role” will be
- How to protect yourself
- How to communicate during an invasion
Like any other sort of fire or tornado drill, practice this strategy with your family every few months so it stays fresh in their minds.
No one wants to think about their home being violated by a burglar or intruder, but it does happen. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the less likely it will be for someone to break in. However, even if they do, that same preparation will keep you safe, and leave that criminal wishing they had picked a different house to mess with.
