Your home is the one place where you and your family should feel safe and secure. As this is a priority for many, homeowners often take it upon themselves to make sure the home is as safe as possible. There are some common mistakes found when it comes to DIY home security upgrades. The main reason for this is the easily accessible information that is available online. This is not always sound advice and can often negatively influence your home’s security. This information, or rather misinformation, must not be trusted and it’s advisable to turn to the professionals, like your local locksmith, for expert advice.
We have listed the top 5 common mistakes found when homeowners upgrade their home security. We have furthermore included tips on what you should do instead.
Making Use of Static Lights vs. Motion Sensor Lights:
Having adequate outdoor lighting gives your home additional security against intruders. Static lights, on the other hand, do more harm than good.
Static lighting provides an opportunity for potential intruders to survey your home thoroughly and gather as much information as they want, while finding an ideal entryway into your home. With static lights you help the bad guys do their work more efficiently. Furthermore, your neighbors will have grown used to the lights being on constantly and will not be alerted if there is any unusual activity outside your home.
How does this scenario compare to motion sensor lights?
Potential intruders do not have the opportunity to survey your home at night. When the lights turn on, it will alert you, passersby, and neighbors that there is some activity outside your home. The light suddenly coming on can startle any intruder and will make them reconsider trying to enter your property. Not to mention the savings you can expect on your electricity bill! Contact your nearest locksmith to discuss motion sensor lighting solutions for your home.
Installing the Alarm System on the Outside of Your Home:
According to some online so-called experts, putting an alarm system outside the house is a great deterrent for burglars. They claim that burglars will recognize the fact that there is an alarm system present and subsequently decide against entering your property.
This reasoning simply does not hold up.
Alarm systems contain a small light that lets you know if the alarm is on or off. The majority of burglars survey your home before deciding on how and where to enter. This light will give them a clear indication of when the alarm is generally activated and disarmed. This provides them with guidance as to when the best time is to enter your home.
A tech-savvy burglar should never have access to an outdoor alarm panel as this gives them the perfect opportunity to render it useless.
To avoid this problem, always install your alarm system within the house. A reputable locksmith will help you locate the best place for your alarm installation.
Not Keeping Your Alarms Updated:
Updating your alarm systems might seem like an inconsequential nuisance that can wait for another time, but don’t fool yourself. The older your alarm’s software becomes, the easier it is to hack it. Installing an alarm does not secure your home forevermore without regular updating. Your alarm requires maintenance and security software updates, just like you would expect from any effective security system. Your alarm’s effectiveness will be compromised if you don’t keep your alarm and software up to date. Speak to your locksmith to find out more.
Imitation Security Equipment:
Knock off security equipment may seem like a good idea to try to save some money, like imitation CCTV cameras, alarms, and other equipment. The biggest problem is that many are fake, and they are often completely useless.
Any criminal with a bit of experience will be able to tell the difference between the real deal or a knock off. Considering that most of these imitation products are sold online, it does not take much effort for any criminal to be able to recognize a fake.
The Biggest Security Mistake Made:
Assuming that a locked door will adequately protect your home from intruders is the biggest mistake made all too often. Every home needs high-quality locks on their doors, but this is not enough when it comes to protecting your home. Relying only on door locks is like inviting intruders over for an easy break-in.
You can increase security by upgrading your door locks with a lock change carried out by a professional locksmith. You can also add a porch light, which will discourage some criminals from trying to break in. Discuss your requirements with your local locksmith, as they will have the relevant knowledge to know what would work best in your neighborhood.
Get In Touch with Local Experts:
The team at Second City Locksmith will gladly provide you with expert advice or conduct a home security audit. We keep up with the most recent security trends, both the good and the bad. Second City Locksmith Chicago can help you create a safe haven in your home to give you and your family peace of mind. Contact us by phone or complete our online contact page.