The New Year approached us quickly, and it’s safe to say you’ve got some resolutions on your list. If so, make sure to include home security in your resolutions. Some of the most common vulnerabilities within a home are often overlooked. Stay safe this new year with these six tips to maximize home safety.
Tip 1: Prepare For Emergencies
Simple, yet necessary. Be prepared for emergencies like natural disasters. You’ll always want to make sure you have some basic resources in your home, like a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit. If the flashlight is battery-powered, make sure you check the batteries frequently so it always stays charged. You may also consider having flashlights in each room of the house for easy accessibility. If the power goes out, you won’t have to stumble through the house looking for light.
Keep your pantry stocked with shelf-stable items, especially those that don’t require cooking to consume. Keep plenty of extra water on hand in case your water gets turned off. Having a generator is also a great backup for when the power goes out.
Tip 2: Secure Your Garage Door
The garage door is a vulnerable entrance to the home that we tend to forget about. It can easily be kicked in providing access to any valuables in the garage itself and providing access to enter the home. If you park your car in the driveway, keep your garage door clicker concealed. Keep the garage door closed, even when you’re home. Also, lock the door between your garage and home. Lastly, consider installing motion-detecting flood lights outside your garage and around the exterior of your home. This will deter any suspicious activity.
Tip 3: Be Smart With Smart Systems
Smart thermostats and smart locks will help keep your home safe and comfortable, whether you’re there or not. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere by using your phone. This means you can lower heating costs by turning the air to a lower temperature when you’re away. You can also warm up the house before you get home for a cozy welcome.
Smart locks help you trust that no one else has access to your home. Just use your phone to unlock the door. They also typically function as video and audio monitoring for added security. With many of these smart systems, you’ll get notifications if someone is at the door. They also ensure your packages are safe and allow you to witness what happens if they get lost or stolen. Smart systems are the smarter choice in 2022.
Tip 4: Set Your Security System
Part of a productive New Year means setting new routines. That means making it a habit to set your alarm system routinely. Otherwise, it’s not keeping you as safe as it could. Make sure you remember how to use your device and seek help if you don’t. After all, an alarm system is only effective if you know how to use it. If you don’t have a security system, consider getting one installed this year.
Tip 5: Reduce Energy Consumption
What better way to start the New Year than to be friendly to the environment, and your wallet? Use a smart thermostat and smart light bulbs to control energy from your home. Set timers on your lights to avoid wasting energy when they are not in use. Change the temperature when you’re not home in order to save energy and reduce costs. You can also connect electronics to an outlet extension that you can turn off when you don’t need power. There’s a ton of creative ways to reduce energy consumption which are easy to implement — it’s just a matter of creating the habit.
Tip 6: Audit Your Home Security
Last but not least, the best way to improve the comfort and security of your home is by doing an audit of your home security. We make this easy with our official Pop-A-Lock home security checklist. It walks you through the entire house offering suggestions for the front entrance, windows, ground floor, and garage to make sure each part of your home is properly secured. If you think you’re missing anything, Pop-A-Lock is happy to help. Whether it is lock rekeying, adding additional locks, or installing a whole new lock system for your front door. Our New Years’ goal is to help you along the way!
There’s no better place to focus on your goals than in your own home. By making sure your home is safe, secure, and prepared with the right materials for any moment, you’ll be able to make the most of 2022! If you need any help along the way, Pop-A-Lock is here to help.