Your residence is meant to be a safe space from the stress and struggles of the outside world. It’s a place you can relax, unwind, and catch your breath after a long day.
However, all those feelings of comfort and safety can quickly disappear if your home is broken into. A place that once felt like a dream may now feel more like a nightmare to come home to.
While there’s no guarantee that you can prevent all potential break-ins, you can help lower your risks. Adding features like smart home security devices and adequate lighting are just some ways to keep your home safe and reduce your chances of a burglary.
Protecting your home may come with other bonuses, such as a lowered insurance rate due to your lowered risk of a break-in. So, how can you best protect your home from potential thieves? Let’s find out.
Add Security Features to Ensure Your Home Is Protected
In the day and age of technology, there is a smart device for almost anything — and home security is no exception. You can protect your house from your phone with everything from smart cameras to alarms.
Smart Cameras Allow You Outside Visuals Even When Away
Adding cameras outside your home is a great way to catch a burglar on film. However, smart cameras go above and beyond just regular surveillance.
These cameras can be linked to your phone and alert you if they notice any movement. If someone decides they want to lurk outside your home, the cameras will pick up on their activity and send you a notification.
You can also commonly access your camera’s live footage on your phone — even if you’re not at home. Many smart cameras are built with a speaker so that you can communicate with someone near your home.
These cameras are a great way to be instantly alerted to a potential intruder and offer you the opportunity to scare them off before they can even gain access to your home.
Smart Security Systems Help Keep Your Home Armed
Having a security system is an excellent way to keep your home protected. But smart security systems can take your protection to the next level.
These systems, much like smart cameras, can be linked right to your phone. Rather than worrying if you forgot to set the alarm before leaving or going to bed, you can check your alarm status from your cell.
These smart systems also typically come with different timing options to call for help. For example, if you are away from home, you may lower the time it takes your device to call 911. Since you are not in your residence, the tripped alarm means an unwelcome guest has entered your home, and police should arrive quickly.
Avoid Social Media Posts While Away From Home
You may not think twice about uploading tons of vacation photos to your social media profiles while traveling, but it can be a dangerous act. Posting that you are away and your home is left unoccupied is essentially a green light for thieves.
On top of the potential theft, you may run into some snags with your insurance company if your home is broken into while on vacation. If your provider knows you posted photos of your trip and alerted thieves to your empty house, they may consider it negligence on your part and not help cover your stolen belongings.
Rather than risking a break-in or a headache with your insurance company, save the vacation photos for once you’ve returned. Posting travel memories after you’ve arrived home drastically reduces your odds of a potential intruder.
Install Adequate Lighting Around Your Home
A dark home exterior can be a beacon to potential intruders. If the outside of your home is not well-lit, it offers thieves an excellent opportunity to remain hidden and go unnoticed while they figure out how to enter.
Adding lighting to your home’s exterior can drastically reduce your chances of a break-in. Typically, the most beneficial locations to add lights are near entry points such as doors or windows.
Motion sensors can be an excellent alternative if you don’t enjoy the thought of lighting shining around your home throughout the night. These lights will come on if they detect movement, stopping potential intruders in their tracks.
When it comes to outside lighting, brighter is always better. Dim lights may still make it possible for thieves to enter your home without being seen. However, a bright light allows others and you to have a clear view of intruders. Moreover, lighting can be considered the most important home design feature.
Saving on Insurance With Safe Home Features
Preventing break-ins may seem like a positive aspect of adding these safety features all on its own. But there are more bonuses you may receive than just a reduced risk of burglary.
Your insurance company may also offer reduced rates because of your proactive approach to preventing break-ins. Since insurance is focused on risk, adding features that lower your chances of suffering from a home invasion also reduces your risk level.
If you opt for smart devices such as cameras and alarm systems, they can often relay data directly to your provider. This information can help them better calculate your risk factor and determine your homeowners insurance coverage cost.
Because of your lowered risk, your insurance company may offer you a cheaper premium, allowing you to save money on your insurance costs.
Keeping Your Home Protected From Potential Intruders
Home is considered a safe space for many people where they can leave the stress of their day behind. However, if someone breaks into your home, that safe space can quickly become ruined.
Rather than risking a potential burglary, keep your home safe and protected with these tools. Installing cameras to capture images of potential intruders, adding alarm systems to call 911 in case of a break-in, and using adequate lighting to take away thieves’ hiding places can drastically reduce your risk of a break-in.
While there’s no guarantee that you will never be the victim of a home invasion, taking these steps can keep you and your home safer. Not only will you enjoy the added protection and security by upgrading your home, but so will your insurance provider. You may even receive lower rates due to your new safety features.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. She is an insurance and home safety expert who enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.
