Summer is typically associated with vacations, spending time with family, relaxing in the pool, and playing with kids. In the midst of all the fun, many homeowners forget the significance of home security.
However, with the change of season also comes an increased risk of property-related crime, which is why you need some summer home security tips!
Research suggests that more than 2 million homes are targeted by burglars and criminals each year in the US. Also, per a special report by the US Bureau of Justice (BJS), compared to the summer, home-related crimes are 7% and 8% lower in the winter and spring respectively. Therefore, you must pay attention to these useful summer home security tips to keep your property and family safe.
Our Top Summer Home Security Tips
Door Security Tips
Research shows that almost 30% of burglars target open doors and windows. Therefore, you must leverage these quick door security tips to add additional security to your doors.
Most properties targeted during the summer are those that ignore both front and back door security. Burglars can simply look at your door and tell if it’s secured well enough. Therefore, strong, burglar-proof doors are critical to the security of your home and family.
Follow these door security tips to ensure all your door security bases are covered:
Install Sturdy Door Security Locks
Door security locks are the simplest door security tool on the market. In fact, the first and most convenient door security measure against burglars and intruders is the deadbolt lock.
Also, here are some additional tips to ensure your door security locks are strong and reliable:
- Select a strike box instead of a plate; it is more secure
- Ensure the nails that secure the deadbolt are at least three inches in length
- Ensure the bolts are at least one inch in length
Secure the Locks With Additional Hardware
Burglars typically use a crowbar or wrench to pick door locks. Therefore, it’s a good practice to enforce the locks using lock cylinders. Also, you must ensure the lock plate is strong (if you are not using a strike box).
Ensure Sliding Doors Are Secured With Key Locks
Sliding doors are highly vulnerable to burglary. They may look more attractive but they are weaker than regular doors when it comes to home safety. Therefore, if you have a sliding door, install a keyed lock with both top and bottom closures. It is the simplest and most effective method of securing sliding doors.
Buy Stronger Doors
It’s not a good idea to entirely depend on locks; the doors should be the strongest when it comes to door security. Ensure the doors do not comprise hollow cores. Get a metal or solid wood door. Steel doors can also be a good choice.
Cover the Hinges
Doors with exposed hinges are vulnerable to burglary. It is extremely easy for burglars to remove doors with exposed hinges. Therefore, either reinstall the door with the hinges facing inward or cover them.
Get a Home Security System
If kids or office work is keeping you busy, we recommend getting a smart outdoor home security system or a home security system with automation. It can automatically lock your doors using remote features. Most home security systems also comprise surveillance cameras that can be installed outside the doors to keep an eye on burglars and intruders.
Don’t Forget to Lock the Doors
Lastly, ensure your doors are locked at all times. Per a YouGov poll, 23% of Americans rarely lock their doors and 7% don’t lock them at all. Make it a habit to keep both the front and back doors locked at all times, even if you are inside.
Window Security Tips
One of the most important summer home security tips is ensuring not only your doors but your windows are also protected. Unlocked or unsecured windows can pave the way for burglars and intruders, and glass windows can shatter and hurt kids. Therefore, here are some window security tips to get you started on window security:
Install Pin Locks to Secure Windows
Never assume that your window is safe; these days, burglars are well equipped to remove even the most secure windows. Consider installing upgraded locking systems, such as pin locks. Even though they are slightly expensive, they are extremely effective at preventing break-ins.
Get Tempered or Plexiglas Glass
As already mentioned before, burglars can easily break windows made of regular glass. Therefore, consider installing windows made of tempered or Plexiglas.
Tempered glass is more expensive than regular glass; however, it’s almost four to five times stronger than regular glass. On the other hand, Plexiglas is not exactly glass; it is made of acrylic. It is almost nine to ten times stronger than regular glass; however, it’s even more expensive than tempered glass.
Add a Protective Covering
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also consider installing windows made of regular glass, with a laminate covering. Even if a burglar breaks the glass window, the laminate covering will not allow them to enter.
Install Window Sensors
If you’re planning to buy a home security system to protect your doors, you can also get window sensors. They set off an alarm if the windows are opened unexpectedly and are suitable for scaring away burglars and intruders.
Garage Security Tips
It may happen that your kids are playing in the pool on a hot and sunny day, and you decide to give them company by trimming the bushes around. You’re so occupied that you forget to lock the garage. Wait! That’s not an ideal scenario. Burglars are always looking out for such vulnerable moments. They can easily sneak into your garage and steal your tools. Therefore, garage security is as important as door or window security.
Here are some quick garage security tips to help you keep burglars out of your garage:
Get a Smart Garage Door Opener
Most homes nowadays have garage door openers which make it extremely difficult for burglars to access the garage. Therefore, if you don’t have a door opener yet, get one, and if you already have a door opener, consider upgrading it.
With most smart garage door openers, you can easily monitor the status of your garage door using your smartphone. These days, you can also find garage door openers powered with the “rolling code” technology that generates a new security code each time the garage opener is accessed. You can even have a smart garage door interact with your security system.
Install Motion-Detecting Floodlights
Most burglars strike after sunset; therefore, a sudden burst of floodlights can be a great idea to keep them away. Consider getting solar-powered floodlights as they do not comprise any wiring and are the easiest to install.
Add a Door Between Your Home and Garage
If your garage is directly connected to your home, consider adding a door in between to enhance your home security. Also, ensure you lock it at all times. A connecting door that is not locked can be a great security risk. A steel door with a deadbolt lock can be a good pick.
Install Security Cameras
Consider pairing security cameras with motion-detecting floodlights to deter burglars and intruders. Also, ensure the security cameras come with night vision to record the activities of burglars when they strike after sunset.
Yard Security Tips
Smart home security tips are incomplete without discussing yard security tips. No one wants to see their yard pillaged, especially during summers when the kids and family are around. Therefore, to secure your yard, follow these quick yard security tips:
Avoid Leaving Your Valuables Unattended
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across the globe, most families are spending their summer days at home, especially in their backyards. Therefore, backyards are always filled with valuables such as expensive furniture, tools, bikes, barbecues, pool supplies, and so on. These valuables can attract burglars. Therefore, ensure you cover them or keep them locked. Out of sight will be out of mind for an opportunistic burglar.
Install Tall Fences
If you don’t want to install barbed wires, consider getting tall iron fences with spiked ends. They are enough to deter burglars.
Ensure the Backyard Is Well Lit
If you’re planning to get motion-detecting floodlights for your garage, get some for your backyard too. They are perfect for protecting your deck, gate, patio, pathways, and driveway. For added security, install them at an entryway to the backyard.
Get a Pool Alarm
If you have expensive pool supplies and furniture, consider getting a pool alarm to deter burglars and intruders — or anyone looking to take a dip in your pool when you’re not around!
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation, and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 35 years of service in Northeast Ohio and a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities. To see what ProTech Security can do for you, contact us today.
