Feeling safe at home is a priority for all of us, but home security doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart strategies and a bit of local awareness, you can help secure your home and give yourself peace of mind. From keeping an eye on local crime trends to installing simple deterrents, here's a guide to creating a safer home environment.

1. Secure Your Doors and Windows

It might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how often intruders find unlocked doors or windows as easy entry points. Making a habit of double-checking that all doors and windows are locked before you leave or go to bed can go a long way toward securing your home. For added protection, consider upgrading to deadbolt locks on exterior doors and adding locks that are easy to secure and inspect on windows.

To boost security even more, think about installing door reinforcement plates and using longer, 3-inch screws in your door frames. These deeper screws anchor into the studs around the door, making it harder for someone to force their way in. And for extra peace of mind, a peephole or doorbell camera can help you see who's outside before opening the door, letting you safely check on visitors or deliveries even if you're not home.

2. Use Outdoor Lighting to Your Advantage

Good lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for keeping your home safe, especially around key entry points like the front door, back door, and garage. Well-placed lighting not only deters potential intruders by reducing shadowy spots but also adds a sense of security and warmth to your home after dark.

Motion-Sensor Lights
One of the most practical solutions is motion-sensor lighting, which is both affordable and energy-efficient. These lights activate only when they detect movement, illuminating the area suddenly and often catching any would-be intruders off guard. This sudden illumination can be enough to deter someone from lingering near your property, as it creates a "caught-in-the-act" effect. Position motion-sensor lights near entryways, garages, or around any darker areas of your yard for maximum effectiveness. Many motion-sensor models allow you to adjust the sensitivity and range, so you can tailor them to your specific needs.

Continuous Lighting Options
For areas where consistent lighting is helpful, consider porch lights, pathway lights, or landscape lighting that stays on during nighttime hours. This type of lighting creates a steady, visible perimeter, which can help deter intruders by making it clear that your property is well-lit and therefore monitored. Pathway lights are especially useful, illuminating walkways and creating an inviting ambiance while reducing dark spaces around your home's exterior.

Layered Lighting for Increased Security
Using a combination of lighting types-motion-sensor, porch, and landscape lights-helps create a layered lighting approach. This technique eliminates dark spots around your property, making it more difficult for anyone to approach your home unseen. Place lights at varying heights, such as floodlights on garage corners and pathway lights along the driveway, to cover multiple angles and provide full coverage around your property.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions
If energy costs are a concern, consider LED bulbs or solar-powered lights, which offer long-lasting illumination without driving up electricity bills. Solar-powered pathway lights or floodlights are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and rely on the sun's energy to keep your property secure.

Smart Lighting for Control Anytime, Anywhere
For added convenience, smart lighting options can be controlled via an app, allowing you to turn lights on or off remotely or set them on a timer. This feature is especially helpful if you're away from home and want to simulate an occupied house by controlling lights from a distance. With a smart lighting setup, you can schedule lights to turn on at dusk, off at dawn, or even create custom patterns to mimic regular activity, which is particularly effective in deterring intruders.

Combining Lighting with CPTED Principles
Incorporating lighting into Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles further strengthens home security. Strategically placed lighting, combined with trimmed landscaping, helps increase visibility and reduce hiding spots around your home. CPTED encourages lighting placement that illuminates key areas while preserving natural sightlines, creating a secure yet welcoming atmosphere.

Good lighting isn't just about illuminating your home; it's about sending a signal that your property is well-maintained, cared for, and monitored. By thoughtfully layering different types of lighting and pairing them with energy-efficient options, you're creating a home environment that feels safe, inviting, and thoroughly secure.

3. Keep Shrubs and Trees Trimmed

Using Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles can make a big difference in deterring potential intruders. CPTED is all about designing and maintaining your environment to increase visibility, eliminate hiding spots, and naturally deter crime. One of the main ideas is to create a "defensible space" by making sure areas around your home are well-maintained, open, and visible.

Take landscaping, for example. Tall shrubs and overgrown trees can provide convenient hiding spots, so keeping them trimmed around windows and doors is a smart security move. Well-maintained greenery makes it harder for anyone to approach unnoticed, while also creating clear sight lines around your property, especially when combined with good lighting.

If privacy is important, you don't have to sacrifice it completely to follow CPTED principles. Consider using lower hedges or decorative fencing that still allows for visibility while providing a sense of boundary. This way, you're creating a clear, visible space around your home that not only enhances your privacy but also increases safety by reducing potential cover for intruders.

Additionally, CPTED principles suggest that clearly defined boundaries-such as small fences, landscaping features, or pathways-can make your home look cared for and closely monitored, which is an effective deterrent in itself. This subtle but powerful approach to design helps create a welcoming yet secure environment, where your home looks both approachable and well-guarded.

4. Install a Home Security System

A home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your home, providing peace of mind whether you're at work, on vacation, or just relaxing at home. Modern systems range from basic setups that monitor entry points to advanced options with features like cameras, alarms, and remote monitoring. Here's how to decide which type of system might be right for you, and a few recommended services to get started.

Types of Home Security Systems

Basic Monitoring Systems
If you're looking for straightforward coverage, a basic system that monitors entry points (like doors and windows) can be a great place to start. These systems typically include sensors that sound an alarm when triggered, alerting you to activity and often sending a notification to your phone. For anyone on a budget, basic systems provide solid protection without requiring a major investment or lengthy setup.

Comprehensive Security Systems
For more robust coverage, many systems include multiple layers of security, such as cameras, motion detectors, and alarms. With cameras positioned at key locations, you can monitor your home's exterior and any entry points, while motion detectors add an extra layer of security by detecting movement in specific areas. These systems usually come with remote monitoring options, letting you check in on your property from your phone and receive real-time alerts.

Smart Security with Mobile Integration
One of the most popular features in today's systems is the ability to connect with your phone. Mobile integration allows you to monitor your home anytime, anywhere. With a few taps, you can check live camera feeds, arm or disarm your system, and even control connected devices like lights. This functionality is especially helpful if you're away from home often, as it gives you constant access and control over your security setup.

DIY Systems for Renters or Short-Term Solutions
For renters or those who don't want to install a permanent system, DIY security setups are a flexible and affordable option. DIY systems often come as kits, allowing you to place sensors and cameras exactly where you need them, without the need for drilling or wiring. Many DIY systems are also portable, so you can take them with you if you move. They often include features like smoke and CO2 detectors, making them a solid upgrade for comprehensive safety.

Recommended Security Services *not paid

Vivint Smart Home
Vivint offers one of the more advanced setups, combining home security with smart home features. Vivint's systems include options for outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, and even smart locks and thermostats, all accessible from the Vivint app. Vivint provides professional installation and monitoring services, making it a great choice for those looking for a fully integrated home security and smart home experience.

Abode Home Security Starter Kit
Abode offers both DIY and professionally monitored systems with easy installation and smart home compatibility. Abode's kits include door and window sensors, keypads, and optional camera add-ons, and they work seamlessly with devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. With flexible monitoring options, Abode is a great choice for both renters and homeowners.

ADT Home Security
ADT is a long-established security provider that offers reliable, professionally installed systems with a range of customization options. Their systems include video monitoring, smart home integration, and environmental sensors like smoke and CO2 detectors. While ADT requires a contract, its systems are backed by professional monitoring and include 24/7 customer support, making it a good choice for those who want robust, professional security.

Ring Alarm Security Kit
Ring is well-known for its video doorbells, but its security kits are a great DIY option for comprehensive home protection. The Ring Alarm Security Kit includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and the option to add cameras and smart lights. The app makes it easy to monitor and control, and it integrates with Alexa for voice commands. There's also an option for professional monitoring with no long-term commitment.

SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe is a favorite for those seeking an easy-to-install, customizable system. It offers packages that include entry sensors, motion detectors, and options for indoor and outdoor cameras. SimpliSafe is also known for its affordability, and it doesn't require a contract. You can monitor the system through a mobile app, and the brand offers professional monitoring services for a low monthly fee if you want added security.

Additional Features to Consider

Many modern security systems come with a range of additional features, allowing you to create a setup that fits your unique needs. Here are a few extras worth considering:

Smart Lock Integration
Systems like Vivint and Abode offer smart lock integration, so you can lock or unlock doors remotely. This is particularly useful if you want to let someone in when you're not home or ensure all doors are locked before bedtime.

Environmental Sensors
Some systems include sensors that detect water leaks, temperature changes, or humidity levels. These are helpful in protecting against issues like frozen pipes or leaks, especially if you're frequently away from home.

Smoke and CO2 Detectors
Many systems, such as SimpliSafe and ADT, offer smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that integrate with your security setup. This adds another layer of protection for you and your family, as it notifies you if dangerous levels are detected, even when you're away.

Choosing the Right System for Your Needs

When choosing a system, it helps to consider your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. For a straightforward solution, a DIY system like Ring or Abode provides flexibility and affordability. If you want a long-term, professionally monitored setup, ADT or Vivint might be the better option, especially if you're interested in combining security with smart home automation.

Taking the time to evaluate what matters most-whether it's 24/7 monitoring, portability, or smart home integration-will help you find a system that offers both peace of mind and a safe, comfortable home environment.

5. Keep Your Home Looking Occupied

An empty home, especially one that looks obviously vacant, can be an open invitation for burglars. When a house appears completely lifeless, it signals that no one's there to notice suspicious activity. Fortunately, with a few small adjustments, you can give your home the appearance of activity, making it far less attractive to potential intruders. Here are some effective ways to keep your home looking lived-in when you're away:

Use Timers for Indoor Lights and Electronics
A dark, quiet house sends a clear message that no one's home, especially at night. By setting up timers for your indoor lights, you can create the illusion that people are moving through the house. Some homeowners find it useful to stagger lighting times, with certain lights coming on in the early evening and others in different rooms later at night. You can even connect radios or TVs to timers, so there's occasional noise that adds to the lived-in feel. Smart plugs or apps like Alexa and Google Home make it easy to control lighting remotely and even change the times periodically.

Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Collect Mail and Packages
A pile of mail or packages on the doorstep is a telltale sign that no one's around. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to collect any packages, mail, or flyers left at your door. Many postal services also offer a temporary mail hold for longer trips, which can be a convenient solution if a neighbor isn't available to check regularly.

Keep Outdoor Lighting Consistent
Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in home security, and it's especially important to maintain when you're away. Set timers or use dusk-to-dawn lights for the porch, garage, and driveway. Even a few landscape lights can make your property look more active and cared for. For a subtle deterrent, consider adding a motion-sensor light that will activate if anyone approaches, creating the impression that someone's home and alert to unusual activity.

Create the Appearance of Regular Activity
If you'll be gone for an extended time, consider asking a neighbor to occasionally park a car in your driveway or to roll out the trash bins on trash day. These small, simple gestures give the impression that someone is moving in and out of the house, which can discourage potential burglars who look for predictable signs of vacancy.

Keep Up with Yard Maintenance
An unkempt lawn can quickly make a house look abandoned, especially in the summer. If you're going to be away for more than a week, arrange for someone to mow the lawn, trim any overgrown plants, and rake leaves or clear snow, depending on the season. Even if it's just once, a quick trim and tidy-up will keep your home looking occupied and cared for.

Consider Smart Home Devices for Extra Control
For the ultimate control over your home's appearance, smart home devices can be a game-changer. Smart security cameras, for instance, let you check in and see if everything's as it should be, and some models allow you to speak through the camera's speaker. Smart doorbells like Ring or Google Nest even let you answer the door remotely, which can be useful if someone unexpected shows up. With smart home systems, you can adjust lighting, control devices, and even change thermostat settings from afar, creating a sense of movement and routine.

Have Someone Check In Periodically
If possible, ask a friend or relative to swing by your home every few days to make sure everything looks normal. Not only will this help with picking up mail and checking lights, but a person checking in can catch any issues that might need attention, like storm damage or unexpected visitors. Even if they just walk around the property, their presence can make your home seem actively monitored and deter anyone who might be scoping out the area.

Additional Tip: Be Cautious on Social Media
In today's digital world, it's easy to accidentally broadcast our travel plans without thinking about who might be listening. Consider holding off on posting vacation pictures or location tags until you're back home. This small step prevents potential burglars from knowing that your house is unoccupied, keeping your travels a little more private.

6. Be Aware of Crime Trends in Your Area

Knowing what's happening in your neighborhood is a powerful way to stay on top of potential threats. Many jurisdictions offer online GIS (Geographic Information System) maps that let you view recent crime trends in your area. These maps show reported incidents, so you can see if certain types of crimes, like break-ins or vandalism, are on the rise nearby. Checking these maps periodically can help you stay informed and adjust your home security measures as needed.

7. Get to Know Your Neighbors

There's strength in numbers, and building a relationship with your neighbors is a simple way to improve security. Friendly neighbors are more likely to keep an eye out for each other and notice when something seems off. Even a quick chat now and then can make a difference in creating a watchful, connected community.

If you feel comfortable, you could even set up a neighborhood watch or a group chat to share updates, suspicious activity, or safety tips. Being aware and in touch with those around you is a great way to keep the whole neighborhood safer.

Conclusion

Home security doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire property. Small steps like locking doors, adding outdoor lighting, and checking in on local crime trends can make a big difference in keeping your home safe. With a little effort and awareness, you can create a more secure environment for yourself and your family. Here's to building a safer, more peaceful home that you can truly feel comfortable in!