Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you relax and unwind, celebrate occasions big and small, and where you rest your head at night. But did you know that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? And nearly a quarter of them take place during the day. Despite these statistics, most homeowners take minimal steps to protect their homes from intruders.

Safeguarding your home and loved ones begins with a few simple proven methods that can be incorporated into your home and landscaping to make it less appealing to intruders.

Follow these home security tips to make your home more secure for you and your loved ones.

Lock your windows and doors.

This might seem obvious, but a third of all home burglars enter through unlocked windows and doors. While it’s nice to feel comfortable in your neighborhood and community, it’s important to remember that burglars often go from home to home seeking easy opportunities. This simple common-sense step can take your home off their target list.

Add a deadbolt protector.

Most “experienced” burglars know how to pick a lock, including seemingly pick-proof deadbolts. Give your doors an added level of security by adding a deadbolt protector that slides a lock over your deadbolt to prevent it from turning.

Reinforce sliding doors.

The sliding door that leads to your deck or backyard is far more vulnerable than your front door. In fact, pulling a sliding door with extra force can be enough to bust through the lock. Adding some extra security to your sliding doors can be as simple as laying a bar, broomstick, or piece of wood in the door track. If you prefer a more sophisticated method, you can buy a lock that fits onto the bottom or top of the door for added protection.

Secure spare keys in a lock box.

Where do you keep your spare key – under the mat or under a stone near the door?  These secret hiding places aren’t that big of a secret. If you ever need to leave a key for someone like a neighbor or contractor, keep it in a secure lockbox so no one else but the designated person can access it.

Don’t advertise.

You might not even realize the ways you’re making your home more vulnerable to burglaries. The boxes and bags you put out on the curb on trash day can tell potential burglars a lot about what valuables are inside your home. Take the time to break down boxes and fold them so that product names aren’t visible. Additionally, don’t share the details of your upcoming vacation or post about your trip while you’re away. Doing so can put you at increased risk of a burglary.

Install motion detector lighting.

While many burglaries occur during the day, motion detector lighting can deter burglars thanks to their sudden onset and possibility of alerting neighbors to suspicious activity, especially when you’re away. Consider installing one near the front of the house and one at the back to let burglars know their presence is no longer a secret.

Install a video doorbell.

When a would-be burglar approaches your door and sees that you have a video doorbell, they’ll likely think twice about attempting a break-in. And if they are brazen enough to break in, video footage can aid in identifying and apprehending the intruder. What’s more, a video doorbell offers an added feeling of security knowing you can check on your home while you’re away and see a clear picture of a visitor at your door without having to open it.

At Excel Electrical Technologies, we offer a variety of home safety products and services, including motion detector and security lighting and video doorbells. Plus, we provide a 5-year warranty on equipment we install plus a 10-year workmanship warranty. Contact us today for more information or to schedule installation.