8 Tips to Keep Your Home Secure for Spring Leave a comment

Spring is just around the corner which means your home is due for some spring cleaning. However, this is also the perfect time to evaluate the security of your home and perform any necessary maintenance. Security often gets overlooked, but it’s important to have security methods in place before it’s too late. As you refresh your home this season, don’t forget these simple tips to keep your home secure and safe from vulnerabilities.

Replace Batteries in Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential to keep any home safe, but many homeowners neglect their maintenance until it’s too late. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “3 out of 5 home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms”. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a big issue but often goes unnoticed as it’s a gradual process. While you’re doing your spring cleaning, take a few minutes to check all of your detectors and change the batteries if needed. It’s a quick and easy task, but can save your life and your home.

Trim Shrubs & Lawn

The return of spring means the return of overgrown shrubs and lawns. If your lawn is in need of some maintenance, don’t put off this task any longer. Ill-maintained lawns are targets for intruders because they give off the appearance that the house is unoccupied. Not only that, tall grass and shrubs are perfect for burglars to hide behind. If you have any overgrown hedges in front of your windows, be sure to trim them to increase your visibility so you can keep a closer eye on your property.

Fix Fences & Locks

The cold and harsh conditions of winter may have done some damage to your locks and fence. Locks can get stiff and rusted so it’s a good idea to double check every lock in your home and make sure they’re working properly. If needed, lubricate the locks or change them. Additionally, the frozen ground can cause your fence to shift or become more brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and giving intruders the perfect opening to your home. Be sure to look around the perimeter of your house and mend any fencing if necessary.

Clean Outdoor Lights

It’s common for light bulbs to appear more dim due to dirt buildup from heavy rain or snow. When you’re cleaning, don’t forget to wipe off any exterior light bulbs so they shine brightly when someone walks onto your property at nighttime. The bright lights will enable you to see who’s outside as well as scare off any intruders. It’s also a good idea to test any motion-activated lights to make sure that they’re working properly.

Keep Garages & Sheds Locked

Gardening is the perfect activity to do during the spring, but it can be a security risk if you’re not diligent. It’s common for homeowners to keep their garages or sheds open as they work, but doing this can make your home a target for burglars. People passing by will be able to see what valuable equipment you have, analyze how they can easily get inside your home, and may even sneak in and hide when your back is turned. To prevent these things from happening, keep your garage and shed doors locked, even when you’re nearby.

Think Ahead for Vacations

Planning a spring vacation? You should also have plans in place to keep your house protected from intruders while you’re away. As mentioned earlier, houses that look unoccupied are targets for intruders. Signs that they look for include a completely dark house and overstuffed mailboxes. If you’re going to be away for awhile, consider asking your neighbors to check your mail for you and using timed lights to make it seem like you’re still home. Also, be mindful of what you post online before and during the trip. If the wrong person knows that your house is empty, they may take advantage of the opportunity.

Inspect & Maintain Cameras

Like smoke detectors, the maintenance of security cameras often go unnoticed until it’s too late. However, security cameras are extremely important as they are the first line of defense against intruders. Additionally, they provide a record of events in case something happens. Security camera systems should be inspected annually so it would be a good idea to take care of this task while you’re doing some spring cleaning. Be sure to wipe the lenses clean, check for loose cables, and adjust the angles of your cameras if necessary. For more information, check out our complete maintenance inspection checklist.

Install a Security Camera System

A home security camera system is the best defense against crime and intruders. Security cameras do a great job of deterring potential thieves and allow you to monitor your home at all hours of the day, even when you’re not there. If someone were to trespass onto your property, you’ll be able to know through the cameras and take immediate action. But even if the thieves were successful, you’ll have a recording of events which can aid in police investigations. If you don’t already have a home security camera system, our website is a good place to start. We have everything you’ll need for installation but if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Spring represents a season of renewal and a fresh start after the cold and gloomy conditions of winter go away. Take advantage of this time to not only do some cleaning, but to inspect your home and ensure that it’s properly secured for the upcoming year. If you have any questions or inquiries about security camera systems, don’t hesitate to reach out to our security experts! You can reach us at [email protected] or call us at (877) 926-2288.