[Last Updated:] October 25, 2024

Want to leave for vacation with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secure? Or simply know your belongings are safe whenever you’re away from home?

Keeping your house secure is more important than ever. Learn the best ways to create a multi-layered security approach, from making garage door opener repairs as soon as possible to fortifying entry points.

Don’t let your windows be the weak link! Take these steps to secure your windows and create a safer, secure home:

• Double-check all window locks: Make sure every window in your house has a functioning lock, and use them! Even a basic latch deters casual attempts.
• Focus on ground-floor windows: These are the most vulnerable to break-ins, so prioritize adding strong locks.

Invest in a safe to store important documents, irreplaceable heirlooms, or valuables you need quick access to. Consider these tips:

1. Choose the right safe: Fireproof safes protect from fire damage, while water-resistant ones offer added security in flood-prone areas. Select a size that fits your needs and valuables.
2. Find a hidden advantage: Discreetly placed safes, such as in-wall or floor models, offer an extra layer of protection by keeping them out of sight from potential intruders.
3. Secure the safe: Mounting your safe to the floor or wall makes it significantly harder to steal.

Strategic hiding can be a helpful tactic when combined with other security methods. The key is to avoid typical hiding spots such as jewelry boxes or under the mattress. Burglars know these hiding places well and typically check those areas first.

Instead, consider more unconventional places such as empty food containers or decoy boxes disguised as everyday items.

At the same time, strike a balance between hiding and easy access. If you need quick access to valuables, a hidden compartment might not be ideal.

Investing in a security system is a powerful way to deter break-ins and bring peace of mind. Consider these factors when choosing a system:

• Features: Select a system with features that suit your needs. Options include remote monitoring, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and smart home integration.
• Monitoring: Decide between monitored systems that send alerts to a security company for immediate response or a self-monitored system that notifies you directly via your phone and other smart devices.
• Installation: Professional installation ensures proper placement of sensors throughout the interior and exterior of your home to create a comprehensive security net.

Smart locks and smart garage door openers offer another layer of protection to your home and provide convenience for you. Here’s how they elevate your home security:

• Enhanced control: Grant access remotely using your smartphone app. No more rushing back home for a forgotten key, and you can easily create temporary codes for guests or deliveries.
• Detailed logs: Track who enters and exits your home, giving you peace of mind and the ability to hold anyone with access accountable.
• Visual confirmation: Many smart lock devices include video features that allow you to see, hear, and speak with visitors.
• Stronger security: Smart locks often utilize encryption and anti-picking mechanisms, making them more resistant to break-in attempts.

Exterior door locks are your home’s first line of defense. Consider these factors when upgrading to high-security locks:

• Deadbolt dominance: Opt for a deadbolt as your primary lock. These have a key-operated lock on both sides of the door, elevating the security of a standard doorknob.
• Grade matters: Choose a lock with a Building Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) rating of Grade 1 or 2. These grades indicate higher quality and durability in deadbolts.
• Strike plate strength: Replace the existing strike plate with a reinforced one. This metal plate reinforces the frame where the deadbolt inserts, making it significantly harder to force entry.

By automatically illuminating dark areas, you can deter burglars and improve safety while navigating your property after dark. Keep these factors in mind:

• Strategic placement: Install motion-sensor lights near entrances, walkways, and along the sides of your garage. This creates well-lit zones around your home, making it more difficult for intruders to approach unseen.
• Adjustability: Opt for lights with adjustable motion sensors so you can customize the detection zone to avoid triggers from passing cars or small animals.

Security cameras can be a powerful force against crime. When placed properly (such as near your garage and front door), they offer multiple security benefits:

• Deterrence: The visible presence of cameras discourages potential intruders, as they’re less likely to target a property under surveillance.
• Remote monitoring: Keep an eye on your home from anywhere with internet-connected cameras.
• Evidence collection: In the unfortunate event of a break-in, security camera footage provides invaluable evidence, as high-definition recordings can help identify perpetrators.

Many homeowners overlook the garage as a potential entry point, but a secure garage door equipped with strong locks is vital for comprehensive home security.

Older garage doors often have basic locks that are easily compromised. Consider upgrading to one of the following types of garage door locks:

• T-handle lock: As a common exterior option, these locks offer easy installation and operation with a key. However, they are easier to break than other locks and can be inconvenient if you lose the key.
• Lock bar: This lock is a metal bar installed inside your garage that prevents the door from opening, even if the opener is compromised.
• Automatic lock: This type of lock uses the garage door opener motor to automatically deadbolt when the door closes. You can control it with a keypad or remote control.
• Smart lock: These offer control and monitoring via your smartphone app, even enabling facial recognition or fingerprint for keyless access. However, they require a stable internet connection, which may be pricier than other options.

Don’t let your garage door windows be a weak spot! Consider opting for any of these sturdy glass options:

• Tempered glass: Tempered glass is significantly stronger than regular glass. Designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces, it minimizes injury and makes entry difficult.
• Laminated glass: This type of glass sandwiches a layer of plastic between two glass panes. This creates a stronger barrier that’s more resistant to shattering and forced entry attempts.
• Frosted or tinted glass: These options obscure the view into your garage, discouraging potential burglars from targeting valuables stored inside.

Your garage door remote acts as a key to your home. Keep these tips in mind when updating to a secure remote:

• Opt for rolling code technology: This feature changes the access code every time you use it, preventing unauthorized individuals from using a captured signal to gain entry.
• Avoid universal remotes: While convenient, universal remotes can be more susceptible to hacking. Invest in a remote specifically programmed for your garage door opener.

A damaged garage door is an open invitation to trouble. A malfunctioning opener, misaligned trackers, or even a dent in the garage door can compromise security.

Don’t delay repairs — call a qualified garage door repair professional promptly. They will also help prevent future problems with simple maintenance.

Standard screws and hinges can be weak links in your home security. Upgrade to these tamper-proof versions:

• Security door screws: These screws have unique heads that require special tools to remove, making them significantly harder to tamper with by force.
• Hinge protectors: These are metal plates that cover the hinge screws to prevent them from being tampered with.

A little planning goes a long way in creating the impression of an occupied home even while you’re away. Incorporate these habits when you go on vacation:

• Avoid posting real-time updates: Wait until your return to share travel photos, as public announcements of your absence can make your home an easy target.
• Leave a car in the driveway: This creates the illusion that someone is home. However, avoid this tactic if you live in an area with severe storms.
• Remove spare keys: Eliminate the chance of easy access for intruders who might find hidden keys outside.

Building relationships with your neighbors fosters a sense of community and strengthens your neighborhood’s home security network. A trusted neighbor can be a valuable asset for:

• Mail control: An overflowing mailbox or packages piling up at the front door is a telltale sign of an empty house. Request a neighbor’s help collecting mail and deliveries while you’re on vacation.
• Eyes on your property: Ask friends, relatives, or a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home. They can report any suspicious activity or potential problems.

Simple timers for indoor and outdoor lights create the illusion of occupancy. Many timers even offer flexible settings. You can customize light schedules to vary throughout the week, making it harder for potential intruders to discern a pattern and predict when the house is empty.

For more enhanced security, invest in smart timers or lights that can be activated and controlled remotely via an app on your phone. These smart devices enable you to turn lights on and off from just about anywhere.

A snugly fitted dowel rod placed in the door’s track prevents it from sliding open if left unlocked or in the case of a broken lock. While not meant to withstand a determined break-in, they can deter casual attempts.

1. Choose the right material: Opt for a sturdy hardwood dowel that can’t be easily snapped or broken.
2. Measure and install: Simply measure the track and cut a wooden dowel to fit snugly. No drilling or complex installations are required.

Use a padlock in conjunction with your existing locking mechanism. This creates an additional obstacle that a burglar must overcome to gain access.

Look for a compatible spot on the garage door’s frame or track where the padlock shackle can fit securely. Ideally, this location will help prevent the door from being forced open, even if the main lock is compromised.

For a truly secure home, a layered approach is best. Don’t rely on a single security measure. By combining multiple tactics, such as reinforcing garage doors and windows, installing a security system, using smart lighting, and establishing a neighborhood watch program, you create a complex web of security that can serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.

A secure garage is just as important as a secure house. Don’t overlook potential weak points in your garage door or opener. If you’re unsure where to begin, consult your local Precision Garage Door Service™ professional.

They will inspect your garage door and opener thoroughly and recommend the most up-to-date and appropriate upgrades for your garage.

Remember, security is an ongoing process. Regularly evaluating your home’s vulnerabilities and ensuring your security system is working properly will go a long way to protecting your home, family, and property. Consider scheduling garage door maintenance to make sure this entry point is secure and as up-to-date as possible.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.