It’s the spookiest time of the year. While monsters might not really be lurking under your bed, burglars and thieves are real threats that can leave you and your family feeling unsafe in your own home. The good news is that you can fight your fears this Halloween by increasing your home’s security on a budget. Here are four simple ways you can boost your home’s security all while doing it on a dime.
Shine a light on ’em
An inexpensive first line of defense you can use against burglars and thieves is a motion sensor camera. Motion sensor lights run anywhere from $30 to $100 and you can attach them anywhere around your home. Motion sensor lights keep thieves from feeling secure enough to sneak up to your house. The crime of “home invasion” carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison in some states so thieves won’t run the risk of trying to break in with a light shining on them.
Deadbolt locks
Deadbolt locks make for a great second line of defense because can only be opened with a specific key. Depending on the type of deadbolt you buy, a deadbolt and installation can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. What’s more, compared to your home’s paint which only lasts about three years, deadbolt locks can help to keep your home secure for up to seven years before they need to be replaced.
Window and door alarms
Alarm systems ought to be your third line of defense. While you can set up a professional alarm system for a few hundred bucks, you can also set up a few inexpensive alarms on your windows and doors. These little alarms will alert you when a window or door is being opened when it shouldn’t be. The sound will help to scare off the burglar trying to sneak their way in.
Wireless security systems
By the end of this year, up to 40 zettabytes of data will move through cloud computing networks. You can take advantage of cloud computing by setting up your own wireless security system in your home for under $300. While wireless security systems aren’t the cheapest security option compared to the ones we’ve listed above, they can provide a fourth line of defense against thieves and burglars should they make their way into your home. Wireless security systems like SimpliSafe and Cove provide entry and motion sensors, glass break detection, and video security throughout your home when activated. If someone is in your home when they shouldn’t be, your system will alert you and you can contact the police.
Unlike vampires, burglars and thieves don’t need permission to enter your home. Fortunately, by following the tips above, you can help keep burglars away so you and your family can feel safe and secure in your home all-year-round.
Bryson Owens says
My sister just moved into a new home that is closer to downtown. She wants to make sure it has a great security system that will deter any burglars. I love your idea to get some motion cameras and lights so that potential break-ins are avoided.