Home Security Risks You Didn’t Know Existed (And How To Fix Them)

Many people think they don’t have to worry about home security until they reach a certain age or until they own an expensive home. But the truth is, no one is immune to home security risks. In fact, there are many risks that you may not even be aware of. Did you know even your roof can make you vulnerable? “Your home is your biggest and most important investment…and your roof is designed to protect it”, says St. Joseph’s Roofing- a Roofing Contractor in Northern VA.

Leaving Your Front Door Unlocked

One of the most common and easily fixable home security risks is leaving your door unlocked. According to a study done by SafeWise, “60 percent of burglars simply walk through an unlocked door or window to gain entry to a home.” You can avoid being one of these statistics by always locking your doors, even when you’re just stepping out for a minute. If you have kids who are old enough to let themselves in and out, make sure they know to always lock the door behind them.

You can also install a smart lock which will allow you to lock and unlock your door from your phone remotely. This is especially useful if you accidentally leave your door unlocked or want to let someone in while you’re not home.

If you’re worried about losing your keys, you can also get a keyless entry system. This way, you’ll never have to worry about locking yourself out of your home.

Not Having A Security System In Place

Another considerable security risk is not having a security system in place. A home security system will deter burglars and help to keep your family safe. There are many different types of security systems available, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

If you don’t want to install an entire security system, some smaller, more affordable options are also available. For example, you can get a door alarm that will make noise if someone tries to break in. You can also get a security camera to monitor your property.

Posting About Your Vacation On Social Media Before You Leave

If you’re planning a vacation, resist the urge to post about it on social media until after you’ve returned. According to a study done by Travelers Insurance, “30 percent of people ages 18-24 share their travel plans on social media before they leave.” By posting about your trip ahead of time, you’re giving burglars the perfect opportunity to break into your home while you’re away.

To avoid this, wait until you’re back from your trip to post about it on social media. You can also disable location services on your phone or set all of your social media accounts to private. This way, only people who you know and trust will be able to see what you’re up to.

Not Hiding Your Key In A Safe Place

If you’re going to hide a key outside, make sure to choose a spot that’s not obvious. Burglars will often look in common hiding spots, so it’s important to be creative. We all know about the mat and the “rock,” but these are not safe places to hide your key. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend who can keep it safe for you. You could also invest in a key safe. This way, you’ll always have a spare key in case you get locked out.

Hiding a key inside your home is also not the best idea. Instead, please keep it in a place where only you will know where to find it. For example, you could keep it in your sock drawer or in a jewelry box.

Having Large Windows That Can Be Seen Into From The Street

Burglars often look for easy targets, and your home could be one of them. If you have large windows that can be seen into from the street, it’s important to keep them covered. Keeping your windows covered makes it more difficult for burglars to see what’s inside your home. You can also install blinds or curtains that automatically close when it gets dark outside. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to close them daily.

If you’re worried about privacy, you can get window film, making it more difficult for people to see into your home. You can also get frosted glass for your windows, providing some privacy while letting in natural light.