Complete Guide on How to Get Started with Home Security

With all the security concerns these days, it’s really important to make sure our homes are safe.

And with October, the National Home Security Month, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about beefing up your home security.

In this article, we will reveal how to get started with home security.

Let’s dive into it together! 

First of all, have you read our article highlighting 2023 home burglary statistics? Because if you want to keep your home safe, it’s important to know about burglary stats.

Once you’re done reading the stat article, don’t forget to swing back for some tips on how to get started with home security.

What Are Your Home Security Needs?

When you’re looking to beef up your home security, the first thing to do is figure out what you need based on your own situation.

That way, you can make sure your security measures work for you and your home.

Play Sherlock: Fact-Finding

Okay, so first things first: let’s talk about how safe your neighborhood is. 

Check out the crime rates, see if there have been any recent incidents, and note any patterns of criminal activity.

It’s also a good idea to chat with your neighbors and get their take on the community’s safety.

By doing this, you can get a sense of the security situation in your area, and figure out what kind of protection your home might need.

Found Weak Points

No two homes are alike, and neither are their security needs.

Take a close look at your property and spot any potential weak spots.

Start with your doors and windows. Are they sturdy and locked up tight? Are there any blind spots that could make it easy for someone to break in?

Don’t forget about the landscaping and lighting, either. Overgrown bushes and dim lighting can create hiding spots for intruders.

Needs and Lifestyle

When it comes to keeping your home safe and secure, it’s important to consider your family’s needs and routines.

Consider how many people are in your household, their schedules, and any unique situations.

Burglars prefer to do their „shopping“ in the afternoon on weekdays. That’s when they think people are out and about the most, so they can sneak in and grab whatever they want.

If so, it’s important to take steps to make your home as secure as possible. You could consider installing cameras, special locks, or extra lighting, especially during the darker winter months.

Have you heard about home security apps that let you keep an eye on your home in real-time? They can be super helpful! With this app, you can monitor your house and prevent crime. The app will alert you if any weird stuff is happening around your house.

It’s All About The Money

Keeping your home safe doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does require careful financial planning.

So, to plan for effective home security, start by setting a realistic budget. 

Figure out how much you can invest in safeguarding your home. Having a clear budget will help you prioritize expenses and avoid overspending.

You should also know what costs to expect when securing your home. 

Basic measures like reinforced locks and motion-activated lights are usually affordable, ranging between $100 to $500. 

More advanced options, like security systems with monitoring services, can start at around $300. They can increase based on features and add-ons. 

We can’t write an article about home security systems and not suggest a budget-friendly option!

You should definitely check out the ZoomOn home security system, which only costs $59.99 and even comes with a three-day free trial.

All you have to do is download the app on your smart devices – your phone, tablet, laptop – whatever you have. Then, just connect all the devices you want to use.

If you want to know more about setting it up, watch this video for detailed instructions:

Now that we’ve figured out what we need to know and how much we’re willing to spend let’s dive into some home security measures!

Most people mix and match different types of home security measures to create a comprehensive home security that works best for their house.

How to Get Started with Home Security: 10 Types of Home Security

1. Physical Security:
   • locks and deadbolts,
   • window bars and grilles,
   • reinforced doors – core or metal doors, reinforced frames, and strike plates,
   • security film – shatter-resistant.
2. Electronic Security Systems:
   • alarm systems,
   • motion sensors,
   • door and window sensors,
   • glass break detectors,
   • smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,
   • flood sensors.
3. Surveillance and Monitoring:
   • security cameras – video monitoring and recording,
   • video doorbells.
4. Access Control:
   • smart locks,
   • biometric access – fingerprint or facial recognition systems for door entry,
   • access cards or key fobs – specific cards or fobs to unlock doors.
5. Smart Home Security:
   • smart security systems – remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps,
   • home automation – control lights, thermostats, and other devices remotely,
   • voice-activated assistants – voice commands to control security devices.
6. Environmental Security:
   • temperature and humidity sensors,
   • natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors.
7. Fire and Life Safety:
   • fire alarms – detect smoke and heat, trigger alarms, and alert authorities,
   • medical alert systems – wearable help button and a base unit, and some have wall-mounted options.
8. Neighborhood Watch and Community Programs:
   • neighborhood watch – prevention programs where neighbors watch out for each other,
   • community policing – local law enforcement to enhance security.
9. Physical Barriers:
   • fencing,
   • barbed wire or razor wire.
10. Private Security Services:
    • security guards,
    • alarm monitoring services.

Conclusion: How to Get Started with Home Security

So, how to get started with home security?

It’s a good idea to take some time to check out your neighborhood and consider any risks specific to your home. Once you’ve done that, you can create a security plan tailored to your family’s needs. 

In a nutshell:

1. Do some research on crime in the neighborhood.
2. Find all the weak points of your property and house.
3. Consider your household’s size, schedules, and unique situations.
4. Set budget.
5. Choose the appropriate home security type. 

To keep your home safe from potential threats, you must take these five important steps to ensure your home security. These steps are essential and can help you get started with home security.

FAQ: How To Get Started With Home Security