Home security is not a simple field. That statement probably surprises no one — it has its own experts, complex technology, and a great many steps of installation.
But part of what makes it so complex is not just the tools used in it, but how unintuitive protecting your home can be.
In order to protect your home from burglars, you have to think like a burglar. And your first instincts as to how burglars think isn’t just at risk of being wrong. It is most likely wrong.
So, let’s go over some of the most common mistakes in home security. We will also briefly talk about what to do instead.
1. Relying on a Dog
Of all of the home security mistakes, this is the most common. It can also end the worst. No matter how big and vicious your dog is, it is not a home security feature.
It is easy to think that it is, but dogs have a problem that more conventional home security does not: They can die.
That is different from alarms. Alarms can be broken. They can be fixed if they are broken. Dogs can’t.
2. Posting About Travel on Social Media
It is unlikely that this will register as a security risk, but it actually is a pretty big one, particularly if your social media app lists your location. Imagine you are a burglar using Instagram.
You can sort by your city, and then find people from your city who are going on vacation.
Then, all you need to do is find where they live, and you will find an undefended house.
Wait until you are back from your trip to post about it.
3. Installing Fake Deterrents
While not everyone does this, it is worth stating this for the people that do: Fake cameras are obvious. Fake alarm systems are dangerous to you.
The thing is that burglars do, indeed, turn around at the first sign of trouble. But the problem with these is that they do not produce trouble.
A burglar is never going to consider a fake camera a problem for the same reason that he is not going to consider a real camera a problem: He is assuming that the camera is not going to pick him up until it is too late.
He will make the same assumption about an alarm system.
4. Organize Your Alarm Circuits
As far as security problems go, this is uncommon. But it happens enough and is disastrous enough that it is worth mentioning.
What is going on here is that your alarm will be connected to the same circuit as a large number of other electronics. Alarms actually take little electricity.
The most electricity they use is when they go off. The problem is that sometimes more electronics get added to the same circuit after an alarm has been tested.
They can’t go off if the circuit gets overtaxed. In short, make sure your alarm is on a low-energy-traffic circuit.
5. Uncalibrated Motion Sensors
This can also extend to “motion sensors that just are not set up”. Remember, your alarm only knows if a door was opened if there is a motion sensor there to see the door move.
When this happens, it is usually the result of people skimming the instructions of their alarm installation instructions.
In the same way that some people set up humidifiers without filling them full of water, others will set up alarms without actually giving them the means to go off.
6. Incomplete Motion Sensors
Another issue people will run into is that their motion sensors will not cover everywhere they need to cover. This problem is actually extremely common.
It comes from the fact that people will put motion sensors in front of doors, but not over windows or their garages.
These are less likely to be broken into than a front door, but it is still a vulnerability.
7. Incompatible Security Systems
On a related note, in order to cover your additional doors and windows with motion sensors, you will usually have to buy those additional sensors.
One of the most common mistakes people make is buying sensors that do not actually pair with your alarm system.
There are third party patches that can address this, but the better strategy is to just avoid the issue altogether by carefully researching which sensors go with your alarm system.
8. Weak Locks
It is frustrating to deal with, but you should probably be sure to keep all of your locks up to date. That usually means replacing them once a year, as they can wear out overtime.
This is especially true with window locks, as they are not always designed that well.
Locks are the first line of defense against a burglar. If a burglar runs into a lock that is too heavy or durable to pick or break, they will oftentimes just give up on their caper entirely.
9. Weak Windows
For similar reasons, reinforcing your windows with strong glass, safety glass, or fiberglass can mean the difference between your home being invaded and it being passed by.
Many home invasions have been thwarted due to a glass pane being too hard to break.
And similarly, many home invasions could have been prevented by just reinforcing a glass pane. Like we mentioned earlier, all it takes is one setback for a burglar to give up.
Conclusion
Home security is not a mystery. It can be confusing at times, but the things a person needs to do in order to secure their home are quite well-known. In order to keep your ducks in a row, do not be afraid to seek out professional advice.
That can mean the difference between a good security system, and an ineffectual one. And a security system really only gets one chance.
If you are looking for an affordable home security system in Melissa, visit us and we will get you set up.
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