In movies and TV shows, burglars are sometimes portrayed as comedic and ineffective. However, preppers take threats like burglars seriously, especially since thieves can be sneakier and craftier in real life. (h/t to ThePrepperJournal.com.)

Why is home security important?

Whether you live in an apartment in the city or in a homestead near the woods, you shouldn’t let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security. Consider this: Over two million burglaries are reported annually in the US. Is your home safe from thieves?

Secure your property by getting a home alarm system so you’ll be alerted if anyone attempts to break in to your house. After you notify the authorities, it wouldn’t hurt to have self-defense weapons so you can protect your family if things escalate.

Follow the three tips listed below to improve home security.

1. Check your property for possible hiding spots

After you see any possible hiding spots, make sure that no one can use these areas to sneak into your house. For example, if you have bushes or trees around your property, especially near windows, keep them trimmed so they can’t be used as a hiding spot.

You should also trim shrubbery that is high enough to block the windows in your house. Otherwise, burglars may try to hide behind them to break in to your home without anyone noticing.

Finally, install outdoor lighting in your property. Areas around your house that get very dark at night are potential hiding spots for burglars, and installing motion-detecting lights around your property can help deter thieves. (Related: Simple strategies you can implement NOW to significantly improve your home security.)

2. Fortify your windows

Think about the last time you had to leave your house in a hurry because you were already late for school or work. Did you sometimes leave your window unlocked because you didn’t want to waste another minute securing your home?

Before you leave your house, make it a habit to check not only the front, side, and garage doors, but also your windows. There’s no point in locking your doors if you forget the windows. An unlocked window is an invitation for burglars to break in. Tell everyone in your family to keep all doors and windows locked if they’re leaving the house.

You can also take things a step further by getting shatterproof glass for your windows. This kind of glass is designed to withstand heavy blows from strangers attempting to break in to your home.

3. Keep your private life private

This may seem redundant, but in the age of social media, almost everyone knows everything about their neighbors because people love discussing all sorts of things on Facebook. If you’re planning a vacation, don’t announce it on your social media. You never know who’s keeping tabs on your activities so they can break in to your home and steal your valuables.

Do you really want to let complete strangers know when your house is going to be left empty? You also need to stop checking in at places on Facebook or Instagram because you’re just letting thieves know that you’re not at home.

As a prepper, you’re responsible for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. You need to be vigilant so you can also protect your property from burglars.

Additional home security tips

Below are more tips that you can follow to ensure that your home is protected against thieves or potential attackers.

• Don’t use cheap locks. Invest in high-quality locks to keep your home safe.
• Never leave ladders in your yard. Once you’re done maintaining your home or yard, put the ladder in the garage and keep it under lock and key.
• Stop hiding keys around your house. Thieves will find a way to retrieve that “hidden” key, so leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor instead.

If you go on vacation, you can rest easy knowing that your home is secure because you have taken all the necessary precaution to keep it safe.

Sources include:

ThePrepperJournal.com

AskAPrepper.com