Skip to main content
Homeownership

Home Security Tips

By May 22, 2025June 24th, 2025No Comments

Introduction

Your home should be a place of comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Unfortunately, break-ins and property crimes can disrupt that sense of security. Taking proactive steps to protect your home can significantly reduce the likelihood of intrusion. From securing doors and windows to maintaining a well-lit exterior and installing an alarm system, a few practical measures can go a long way toward safeguarding your property and your loved ones.

Secure all doors and windows

  • Install doors that are solid or made of metal–hollow doors can be easily broken.
  • Make sure that all doors fit well into their frames–there should be no more than one-eighth of an inch of space between the door and frame.
  • Whenever possible, use a dead-bolt lock–the bolt should be at least 1½ inches long. You may also want to consider installing double-cylinder dead-bolt locks.
  • Lock all doors leading to the outside, including screen and storm doors, garage doors, cellar doors, and patio or porch doors. Be sure to lock second-floor patio and deck doors, too.
  • Door locks should be at least 40 inches away from windows, mail slots, or any other likely place for someone to reach in and unlock the door.
  • Make sure that door hinges are on the inside of your home.
  • Use chain bolts as a supplement to a lock on your doorknob–make sure that the chain is short enough so the door won’t open wide enough for someone to reach in and unlock the chain.
  • Install a peephole in your front door.
  • Secure sliding glass doors with bars or locks, and place a wooden dowel in the door track.
  • Make sure that all windows have locks, especially those at ground level.
  • Whenever possible, use key locks, grates, or grilles on windows.
  • Keep your garage door closed to prevent someone from seeing what’s inside–if your garage door has windows, get them frosted.
  • Have a secure lock on your garage door.
  • If your garage has a separate side door, make sure it has a secure lock.

Secure the outside of your home

  • Install lights around your driveway, garage, and backyard
  • Use motion-detector lights to surprise and scare away intruders
  • Make sure that the perimeter of your house is clear of trees, bushes, trellises, or air-conditioning units that would allow someone to gain access through a second-floor window
  • Eliminate hiding places around your home–trim trees and bushes
  • Never hide your house key outdoors–leave your key with a neighbor instead

When you’re away from home . . .

  • Leave some lights on–use a timer, if possible
  • Leave the television or radio on
  • Have someone collect your mail and newspapers
  • Hire someone to mow your lawn or shovel your driveway while you’re away
  • Hide your valuables

Install an alarm system

Alarm systems are an excellent way to prevent someone from breaking into your home. Most operate by alerting the alarm company or police as soon as the alarm is activated by an intruder. Many different kinds of systems are available at varying costs, so do some research and shop around before you purchase a system. Just be sure to purchase your system from a licensed alarm company.

Conclusion

Improving your home’s security is not just about expensive systems or advanced technology. It begins with everyday awareness and simple precautions that strengthen your home’s defenses. Whether you are home or away, actions like locking doors, managing outdoor visibility, and using light strategically can make a real difference. By implementing these home security tips, you can protect your space, deter intruders, and gain greater peace of mind.

Scarlet Oak Financial Services can be reached at 800.871.1219 or contact us here.  Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter with the latest economic news.

Source:

Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. prepared this material for use by Scarlet Oak Financial Services.

Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on individual circumstances. Scarlet Oak Financial Services provide these materials for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.