28 Essential Tips for a Safer Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and keeping it safe is a top priority. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 28 practical, effective ways to boost your home’s security, helping you protect what matters most. From simple DIY fixes to tech-savvy upgrades, these tips will empower you to create a safer, more secure living space for you and your loved ones. Dive in to discover how small changes can make a big difference in peace of mind and security.

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Small or No Investment

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1. Strength in Numbers: Boost Home Safety with Community Networks

One effective way to make your home—and neighbourhood—safer is by actively participating in community safety programs and local social media groups. For instance, joining or supporting neighbourhood watch programs promotes a sense of collective vigilance and shared responsibility for safety. Social media groups, like local Facebook or Nextdoor communities, provide real-time updates on neighbourhood events, safety alerts, and suspicious activity. Being part of these groups keeps you informed and connected, allowing you to share or receive vital information quickly. Engaging in these networks not only enhances security but also strengthens bonds with neighbours, creating a safer, more cohesive community for everyone.

2. Let there be Light

Proper lighting at entries and access points is a simple yet highly effective way to enhance your home’s safety at night. Brightly lit entrances, driveways, and pathways act as a natural deterrent to intruders who prefer to operate in darkness. Additionally, well-lit access points help you and your visitors navigate safely, reducing the risk of accidents. Installing energy-efficient outdoor lighting around doors, garages, and other entryways not only increases security but also enhances the welcoming feel of your home after dark.

3. Good fence - Good safety

Keeping fences and gates in good repair is essential for maintaining a secure and safe home environment. A sturdy, well-maintained fence serves as the first line of defense, deterring potential intruders by clearly defining property boundaries and limiting access points. Regularly inspecting for loose boards, rusted hinges, or damaged latches helps ensure that your fencing remains a reliable barrier. Properly maintained gates, in particular, are crucial for managing entry and exit, providing peace of mind that your home and yard are secure. A strong, well-kept fence also enhances curb appeal, showcasing a sense of pride and vigilance that can further discourage unwanted attention.

4. Safely hide spare keys

Safely storing spare keys is an often overlooked but critical aspect of home security. While it’s convenient to keep a spare key hidden outside, traditional hiding spots like under doormats, in potted plants, or above door frames are well-known to intruders. Instead, consider alternative methods such as giving a trusted neighbour or friend a spare or investing in a secure lockbox with a code that only family members know. For added security, consider a smart lock that allows for digital access, eliminating the need for spare physical keys altogether. These approaches provide peace of mind, ensuring that you have a backup plan without compromising the safety of your home.

5. Chain Up for Safety

Installing a door chain is a simple yet effective way to enhance home security. This small device provides an additional layer of protection, allowing you to partially open the door while keeping it securely anchored. When a visitor knocks unexpectedly, a door chain lets you see and speak to them without fully opening the door, reducing the risk of forced entry. It’s especially useful for preventing unwanted access while allowing trusted visitors in easily. Combined with a peephole or security camera, a door chain can help you control access to your home, giving you added confidence and peace of mind in answering the door.

6. Lock it down

Securing sheds and outdoor buildings with quality padlocks is essential for comprehensive home safety. Sheds often store valuable items like power tools, gardening equipment, bicycles, or even chemicals, making them attractive targets for thieves. Investing in a strong, weather-resistant padlock helps protect these belongings and prevents easy access to tools that could potentially be used to break into your home. Regularly inspect locks for signs of rust or wear, as well as doors and hinges for structural integrity, to ensure everything remains secure over time. By locking down outdoor buildings, you’re not only safeguarding your possessions but also adding a layer of security to your entire property.

7. Out of Sight, Out of Risk

Leaving bicycles, equipment, and other valuables in plain sight can unintentionally invite unwanted attention to your home. To enhance your home's safety, it's important to store these items securely and keep them out of view from the street or neighbouring properties. Bicycles and outdoor gear should be locked away in garages or sheds whenever possible. If outdoor storage is your only option, invest in sturdy locks and consider covering items with tarps or storage boxes to obscure them from sight. Inside the home, keep expensive electronics, jewellery, and other valuables away from windows or areas easily seen from outside. By taking these precautions, you reduce the temptation for opportunistic thefts and significantly improve the overall security of your property.

8. Secure the flanks

Securing all side or rear access points to your property is crucial for enhancing home safety. These areas are often less visible from the street, making them attractive entry points for intruders looking for a discreet way in. Lock gates, secure side doors, and reinforce back entrances with quality locks to prevent unauthorized access. Even if you believe your yard is private or secluded, taking these precautions ensures that all access points to your property are well-protected, reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening your overall security.

9. Park Smart

Keeping your car in the garage or out of sight is a valuable step in boosting your home’s overall security. Vehicles left in driveways or visible from the street can attract unwanted attention, especially if items like GPS devices, tools, or other valuables are visible inside. By parking in a closed garage, you protect your car from theft or vandalism and limit signs that may indicate whether you’re home or away. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security, particularly at night or when travelling. If garage parking isn’t available, consider using a car cover or parking in a less visible spot to minimize exposure. Taking these measures ensures that your vehicle—and, by extension, your home—is less vulnerable to potential break-ins.

10. “Did you turn the lights on?”

Leaving a light or TV on when you're not home at night is a simple yet effective way to make your home appear occupied, deterring potential intruders. Burglars are far less likely to target a house if they believe someone is inside, so creating the illusion of activity can be a powerful security measure. You can take this a step further by using timers or smart plugs to automatically turn lights or devices on and off at various intervals, simulating the natural patterns of an occupied home. This approach is energy-efficient and helps avoid the obvious look of a house left completely dark. If you have upgraded to LED lighting, the cost of running lights is only a small portion of your electricity bill. By making it look like someone is always present, you add a subtle but impactful layer of security to protect your property.

11. Be vacation smart

When preparing to go on holiday, a few proactive steps can significantly enhance your home’s security. Start by cancelling any newspaper delivery and arranging for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail to prevent it from piling up, which can be a clear signal that no one is home. Additionally, resist the urge to post real-time updates about your travels on social media; while it’s tempting to share your vacation, publicly announcing your absence can inadvertently alert potential intruders. Instead, wait until you’re back to share photos and stories. By keeping your home’s status low-key and maintaining a “lived-in” appearance, you reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention while you’re away, ensuring greater peace of mind.

12. Fake it till you make it

Adding security signs and stickers and even installing a dummy siren or strobe light can be a powerful deterrent against potential intruders. These visual cues send a clear message that your home is protected and monitored (even if it isn’t), making it a less appealing target for burglars. Security signs and stickers indicating the presence of an alarm system or surveillance cameras create uncertainty for would-be intruders about the risks of breaking in. A dummy siren or strobe light enhances this effect by giving the impression of a fully equipped alarm system without the high installation costs. Together, these measures act as a psychological barrier, leveraging visibility and perceived security to keep your home safer and less likely to attract unwanted attention.

13. Defensive greenery

Planting thorny shrubs or bushes below windows is a natural, effective way to boost your home’s security. Dense, prickly plants like roses, holly, or barberry create a physical barrier that makes it uncomfortable—and risky—for intruders to attempt entry through a window. These plants can add aesthetic appeal to your landscaping while acting as a deterrent, particularly when strategically placed around ground-floor windows or other vulnerable entry points. Besides adding an extra layer of protection, thorny plants require minimal maintenance once established and blend seamlessly with the home environment. By incorporating defensive greenery, you add both beauty and security to your property, discouraging anyone from attempting a break-in through these access points.

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Medium Investment

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14. Outdoor WiFi Cameras

Adding outdoor WiFi cameras to your home’s security setup is an excellent way to increase safety and keep an eye on your property, even when you’re away. Modern outdoor cameras are easy to install and allow you to monitor real-time activity from your smartphone, giving instant access to video footage of key areas around your home. Placing cameras at entry points, such as doors, driveways, and backyard areas, provides full coverage and acts as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Many WiFi cameras have features like motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio, enabling you to receive alerts for any unusual activity and even communicate with visitors remotely. With outdoor WiFi cameras, you gain peace of mind knowing you can check in on your property anytime, enhancing both security and convenience.

15. Let there be Light! (when something moves)

Security sensor lighting is a powerful, cost-effective way to boost your home’s safety. These lights are triggered by motion, illuminating dark areas around your property whenever someone approaches. This sudden burst of light surprises and deters potential intruders and provides visibility for you and your neighbours, making it easier to spot unusual activity. Security sensor lights are ideal for entry points, driveways, pathways, and secluded spots around your home, effectively reducing hiding spots. Many models are energy-efficient, using LED bulbs and adjustable sensitivity settings to customize when and how they activate. By adding sensor lighting, you’re enhancing security and ensuring that your home feels safer and more welcoming after dark.

16. Sound the Alarm

Installing a simple burglar alarm system is a highly effective step in safeguarding your home. Even basic alarm systems can provide significant protection by alerting you—and potentially your neighbours—if someone tries to break in. These systems typically come with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a control panel, all of which can be set up without extensive wiring or technical knowledge. When activated, a simple alarm will emit a loud siren if an intrusion is detected, scaring off intruders and notifying you immediately. Some systems even offer mobile notifications, so you’re alerted to any issues while away from home. A burglar alarm adds a layer of security and provides peace of mind, knowing your home is protected against unauthorized access.

17. Fortify Your Boundaries

A secure home begins with solid and well-thought-out boundaries. High fences and gates provide a robust first line of defence, both as a physical and psychological deterrent to potential intruders. Choose fence materials and designs that are difficult to climb, avoiding horizontal structures or other features that could act as footholds. Gates, too, play a crucial role—opt for ones that are sturdy, lockable, and equipped with reliable hardware. High-quality locks and latches ensure that your gates remain securely closed, and modern hardware can be fortified further with features like deadbolts or keyless entry systems. By reinforcing your home’s perimeter, you significantly increase its security, adding a layer of peace of mind that goes a long way.

18. Knock, Knock : Who's There?

Installing a video doorbell is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your home's security. A video doorbell lets you see and speak with visitors from anywhere, giving you real-time awareness of who is at your doorstep. This added visibility deters potential intruders and helps you monitor package deliveries, welcome guests, and spot any suspicious activity. Many modern video doorbells offer high-definition footage, night vision, and motion detection, alerting you instantly if someone approaches your door. By integrating this technology into your home, you gain peace of mind and a greater sense of control over your home's safety—whether you're inside or away.

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 - dwelligence - Video IP Intercom

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4

DoorBird D1101V IP Intercom Video Door Station, Surface Mount Stainless Steel Metallic Finish - dwelligence - Video IP Intercom

DoorBird D1101V IP Intercom Video Door Station, Surface Mount Stainless Steel Metallic Finish

19. Privacy Matters

Creating privacy in your outdoor entertaining areas is essential for both security and peace of mind. When your backyard, patio, or deck is shielded from street view, it reduces the likelihood of prying eyes or opportunistic intruders taking note of who is coming and going, or what valuables may be left outside. Use features like privacy screens, tall hedges, or decorative fencing to create a secluded atmosphere that’s visually appealing yet functional. Adding these barriers enhances security and makes your outdoor space a more comfortable, intimate setting for family and friends. By ensuring your outdoor area is private, you foster a secure and tranquil environment free from unnecessary exposure to passersby.

20. Window Shopping

Windows are often a vulnerable entry point for intruders, making investing in upgraded locks and security screens essential. Many standard window locks are not robust enough to deter break-ins, so consider upgrading to high-quality, tamper-resistant locks. These locks add a crucial layer of security, making it significantly harder for anyone to force the windows open. Adding security screens is another excellent measure—they’re made from durable materials like stainless steel mesh that resist cutting or breaking while allowing ventilation and natural light. Security screens protect against intruders and offer peace of mind for homes with small children or pets. By upgrading your window locks and installing security screens, you enhance both safety and comfort, fortifying your home against unwanted access without compromising on style or functionality.

21. Throw away the Keys

Upgrading to keyless entry, smart locks, or electric strikes can significantly enhance your home’s security while adding convenience. Traditional keys are easy to lose, and physical locks can sometimes be picked or tampered with. In contrast, smart locks and keyless systems provide a more sophisticated barrier against intruders, often featuring encrypted codes or biometric access, which are harder to bypass. Many smart locks allow you to monitor entry activity and lock or unlock doors remotely, giving you peace of mind and control even when you're away. Electric strikes add another layer of protection by reinforcing the door’s locking mechanism, making forced entry far more challenging. With these modern access solutions, you can streamline access for family members, manage temporary access for guests or service providers, and ensure your home is secured with advanced, reliable technology.

Aqara Smart Door Lock A100 - dwelligence - Smart Lock

Aqara Smart Door Lock A100

Aqara Smart Lock U100 (Silver) with E1 Hub Kit - dwelligence - Smart Lock

Aqara Smart Lock U100 (Silver) with E1 Hub Kit

22. Smart Garage Door

Enhancing your garage door’s security with control and monitoring capabilities is a smart step toward a safer home. Modern garage door systems allow you to control and monitor your garage door from anywhere, providing real-time updates on whether the door is open or closed. This means you can check if you forgot to close it after leaving and secure it remotely, eliminating a common security oversight. Some systems also include automatic close features and notifications that alert you if the door is left open for too long. Having greater control and insight into your garage door’s status reduces the risk of unauthorized entry and enhances your home’s overall security.