Your home security is something to take seriously. Unfortunately, many Grand Prairie homeowners do not. They employ some truly horrible home security ideas and logic in guarding their families and possessions until it’s too late.
When you consider that nearly a third of home burglaries happen without the use of force, one thing becomes clear. Way too many homeowners think they’re safer than they are. If you’re committing any of these home security ideas missteps, it’s time to stop.
#1 Not Investing in a Home Security System
One of the most common excuses for not having a home security system is that it is too expensive. But consider the cost of replacing stolen belongings or making repairs after a break-in. When you do, the price of a home security system makes more sense, and it probably doesn’t cost as much as you think, especially when you work with 360 Alarm. We are well-known in the Arlington-Grand Prairie area for our top-notch services and low prices.
People also sometimes make the mistake of believing their neighborhood is safe, making a security system unnecessary. However, criminals are becoming more brazen and are willing to target any home, regardless of location. They case neighborhoods to find the easiest targets or follow delivery trucks to steal packages from your doorstep.
And going back to the cost excuse, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have security systems. This can pay for the system over time or at least greatly reduce the cost. The bottom line is that there are no good excuses for not having a home security system. It is one of the best ways to protect your family and possessions.
#2 Relying on DIY Security Solutions
Many DIY home security solutions actually do more harm than good. Hiding spare keys in obvious places like under the doormat or in a flowerpot is an open invitation for burglars. A better solution is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend or have one of our technicians install a keyless lock.
DIY alarms are also “a thing,” though they shouldn’t be. Some common examples include using opened cans as tripwires, setting up old cell phones as alarm systems, and using string as a motion detector.
Not good.
Cans get knocked over by animals and passersby. Cell phones can lose battery power; strings are easily broken. Plus, none of these methods are likely to deter criminals. A professional home security system is a much better idea.
#3 Skimping on House Locks
Not all home security locks are created equal. A basic padlock might be sufficient for a shed or toolbox, but your home warrants a more robust security solution.
When purchasing locks to protect your home, pick something that’s built to last. Look for locks made from tough materials like steel or brass, which are resistant to corrosion and wear and tear. Tamper resistance is also important. 360 Alarm’s top three criteria for rating residential security locks are resistance to picking, drilling, and force.
To mitigate lock picking issues, use locks with multiple pins or tumblers. These are much more difficult to pick than single-pin locks.
Drilling resistance is also important. Look at the material the lock is made from and the size of the opening required to insert a drill bit. Finally, resistance to force is an important consideration, as this can be used to break the lock entirely. A good home security lock will have a hardened steel body, making it resistant to sawing and prying.
#4 Not Following Online Safety and Security Tips
As the world increasingly moves online, more and more devices are becoming “smart,” including home security systems. While this connectivity offers numerous advantages, it also creates new vulnerabilities.
Because smart home security systems connect to the internet, they can be hacked just like any other computer. This means burglars could potentially access your residential security system and disable it, leaving your home unprotected.
Additionally, hackers could use your security system to spy on you and your family. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the risks when choosing a home security system. Select an alarm system with robust security features to protect against online threats. 360 Alarm Grand Prairie utilizes Alarm.com and 2GIG products to circumnavigate these issues, but you should speak to your installer to find the right solution to protect your home.
Your own online behaviors can do you in as well. Announcing to Facebook friends or Twitter followers that you’re in Cozumel or another one of 2022’s hottest vacation spots for the next two weeks is almost an open invitation to have people break into your home. If you really want to flex on social media, make sure you do it after you’re back, and pay close attention to account security settings, so only people you trust are getting that information.
#5 Getting Lazy with Doors, Windows, and Lights
Laziness can make homeowners rely on some horrible home security ideas to protect their residences. Thinking that the odds are in your favor can mean failing to secure your doors and windows. Keeping your outside lights off is also a bad idea as it gives thieves confidence to approach your home under the cover of darkness. Outdoor lighting makes it easier to see strangers approaching your home, making them a huge deterrent for many home intruders.
360 Alarm: Say Goodbye to Horrible Home Security Ideas
We hope you’ll take this time to evaluate whether you’re utilizing horrible home security ideas to protect your house or property. If you are, cut it out before it’s too late. And if you’re in the market for a versatile and dependable home security system, 360 Alarm Grand Prairie is here to help. Contact us today for information on good security ideas, horrible home security systems to avoid, and details about our affordable Grand Prairie home security solutions.
