10 Practical Home Security Tips to Protect Your Family

Your home should be your safe haven. Unfortunately, property crime and home invasions are a top safety concern for many families across the country. But with just a few simple home security tips and systems, you can prevent risk and protect your home and family. By mixing and matching common sense precautions and the best home security systems of today, you can add multiple layers of security to your home.

In this article, we’ll explain ten easy steps every homeowner should take for proper home surveillance and safety. From motion sensor lights and smart locks to 24/7 home monitoring, these methods are aimed at preventing intruders, protecting your valuables, and giving you peace of mind.

Why Home Security Should Be a Priority More Than Ever

A Nation in Need of Protection

According to the FBI’s latest Uniform Crime Reporting data, there were approximately 900,000 burglaries in the United States in 2022, which equates to about one burglary every 35 seconds. While some forms of property crime have decreased in recent years, home invasions and theft are still both costly and emotionally taxing for victims. Not only do you lose possessions, but you also lose a sense of security in your own home. The average cost per burglary in the United States is close to $2,661, according to recent FBI crime data, which includes the value of stolen goods and property damage. This figure does not take into account the increased insurance premiums or the emotional stress and disruption that often follow a break-in. That’s why it’s better to be proactive than to react to an incident after it happens.

Home security systems use physical and electronic deterrents to lower your risk. Today’s advanced smart home systems make it easier than ever before to keep an eye on your home, automate security features, and get mobile alerts about what’s happening around your house.

10 Simple Steps Every Homeowner Should Take

1. Lock All Doors and Windows

Locking doors and windows is a classic tip for a reason. While it sounds obvious, some studies show that a high number of burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows. Exterior doors should have strong deadbolts and reinforced strike plates. Add smart door locks so you can track who’s entering and leaving, and remember to set automatic schedules to ensure all doors and windows are locked when you leave and return.

2. Install Outdoor Lighting

Burglars don’t like being seen. A well-lit exterior keeps would-be thieves from targeting your home. Install motion-activated motion sensor lights around entrances, walkways, and driveways. Bright LED lights reveal any visitors, while solar-powered fixtures are energy-efficient and sustainable.

3. Secure the Garage and Backyard

Burglars frequently enter through garages, so keep garage doors locked, even when you’re home. Install a smart garage opener with activity notifications. Consider side gates and backyard entry points, too. Padlocks and reinforced fencing work for outdoor storage areas. Keep ladders, equipment, or other tools inside so they can’t be used to enter your home.

4. Invest in a Smart Home Security System

A wireless security system is one of the best ways to deter property crime and home invasion. Features like 24/7 home monitoring and mobile alerts give you the visibility you need to keep control. Providers like 24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom offer robust Smart Home Monitoring services that combine alarms, sensors, and more for comprehensive protection.

5. Use Smart Locks and Video Doorbell Systems

Smart locks let you have keyless entry, provide family members with access codes, and track activity. Video doorbells also let you see who’s at the door, whether you’re home or away. With doorbell cameras, you can deter package theft and get video recordings of suspicious activity.

6. Set Up Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras are both crime deterrents and valuable evidence collectors. Position them at the front door, back door, garage, and driveway entry points. Indoor cameras can monitor pets or specific rooms. Choose models with night vision and cloud storage for maximum uptime.

7. Secure Home WiFi

Internet-connected devices are only as safe as your network. A weak WiFi password or an unsecured router is an open invitation to attackers. Use WPA3 encryption, a unique and complex password, and regular software updates to protect your system. For increased stability and performance, 24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom also offers Smart Home WiFi services that keep your home security devices securely connected at all times.

8. Don’t Advertise When You’re Away

Use common sense on social media and avoid broadcasting when your home will be unoccupied. Don’t post vacation photos until after you return. Instead, use home automation and security features like smart lights or a smart thermostat and security scheduling to give the appearance that someone is home.

9. Talk to Your Kids About Security

Security isn’t just a technology topic but also a family habit. Teach children not to open the door to strangers, keep doors and windows locked, and don’t give out personal information online. Make an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do if an alarm sounds or if they feel threatened. These are practical family safety tips that build lifelong security habits.

10. Know Your Neighbors

One of the most underrated neighborhood security tips is building community trust. Exchange phone numbers with neighbors or join a local watch group. Consider starting a group chat to share alerts and updates. A vigilant neighbor can often notice something amiss sooner than you can.

Smart Home Systems: The Best Way to Enhance Security

Smart home systems bring all your connected security devices, like alarms, locks, cameras, and motion sensors, together in one central, connected ecosystem. You can arm or disarm your alarms, check live camera feeds, or receive instant notifications with a mobile app. Many systems also integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands for added convenience and control over your DIY home security system.

Home automation systems give families an added layer of security. You can set lights to automatically turn on at dusk, use a video doorbell to see who enters your home, or receive mobile alerts if your cameras or motion sensors detect activity when you’re away.

Selecting a Smart Home Security System

There are many options on the market, and it can be challenging to choose the right system for your home, but the best home security systems combine 24/7 monitoring with strong WiFi connectivity and smart automation. Consider factors like cost, square footage, and available features to determine which smart alarm system is best for you.

• Budget: DIY alarm kits are less expensive, but they may not include features like 24/7 monitoring. A professionally installed system costs more upfront but provides reliability and support.
• Home size: Homes with more square footage usually require additional cameras, sensors, and WiFi repeaters to ensure full coverage.
• DIY vs professional installation: Do-it-yourself security installation appeals to tech-savvy consumers, but professional setup makes sure everything is installed correctly.
• Connectivity: The more connected devices you have, the more stable WiFi is required. Without it, your smart devices can’t talk to each other or the cloud. This is why 24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom’s Smart Home WiFi services are such a valuable option for families. As a local provider, we know how important system performance and stability are. Our Smart Home Monitoring system is built on the reliability of their secure WiFi connectivity, so you have both top performance and the peace of mind you deserve.

Layer Your Home Security for Maximum Protection

There is no single “fix-all” option, and prevention is much more effective than responding to an incident after it has already happened. The most effective defense is to layer the more traditional methods (locks, outdoor lighting, and a vigilant neighborhood) with modern tools like smart home technology and 24/7 home monitoring.

Regular testing and updates are essential to keep things working. Test alarms, update software, and change access codes to ensure everything is up to date. When you combine these simple home security tips with today’s advanced home security systems, you and your family have a safer home.

24-7 & West Wisconsin Telcom’s Smart Home Monitoring and Smart Home WiFi services offer the connectivity and technology you need to protect your family and your home. If you’re interested in knowing more and would like a no obligation quote, feel free to get in touch with us. We can help control your smart home with security, video, and automation.