Personal safety is a key concern for homeowners and families who may be forced to deal with burglars and dangerous trespassers. Homes and private property can be protected with fences, hedges, security doors, reinforced windows, locks, and home security systems. The responsibility to protect family members is a serious obligation that will require special efforts such as identifying potential threats and then blocking those threats. If a prowler has been blocked by several barriers, they will be discouraged from entering a home, so use these tips to get them away from your home.

Fences and Hedges

A thief or an intruder is usually attracted by items that are not protected. Homeowners should conceal bicycles and gas grills inside a garage. Privacy fences and hedges can be used to conceal patio furniture and also as a barrier to stop intruders who could easily enter the property. Use sheer curtains on windows to conceal furniture, kitchen appliances, and electronic equipment as well. The sheer curtains will permit light to enter the rooms and will also block the view of any intruder who is outside the house.

Doors and Windows

Some doors and windows may not be suitable for all locations. A burglar can easily break weak windows and enter from an unguarded part of the exterior. Barriers should be used to stop burglars who could quickly enter a house or a garage. There are many different styles of doors and windows that can be used to deter intruders. For example, Solar Shield Windows offer a line of impact windows and doors that are more difficult to break.

Locks

The style of a lock families choose is also important. Some have a flip lever on the inside section of the lock which can easily be turned by a burglar. A more secure lock will have a key for the inside section and for the outside. Homeowners can continue to use the same doorknob by installing a new deadbolt lock above or below the doorknob. Technological advances have also made it possible to secure locks from a smartphone through an automated system. This makes it possible for you to control locks, shields and gates from wherever you are.

Barriers

You can easily add more barriers for stopping burglars and dangerous intruders. Privacy fences and hedges will block the path of an intruder and will control the level of visibility. Metal strips on windows and on doors can also be used to stop a burglar. Make sure you don’t have places where someone could hide and use lights and illumination to make even your darkest parts of the yard visible.

Thieves are often discouraged when homeowners have several layers of protection. Use these protection ideas to get started on securing your home today.


Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico. She writes for many online publications and blogs about home improvements, family, and health. She is an avid hiker, biker and runner. Contact her via twitter @BrookeChaplan.