17 Home Security Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Every single day, we hear reports of home invasions and burglaries in the news. As a homeowner, that highlights the importance of home security.

Protecting your home and family is no doubt your top priority.

In this article, we will discuss the most impactful home security tips you should know. This includes simple things you can do right now, as well as security devices and gadgets that will actively keep your home and loved ones safe.

1. Install quality locks

Let’s get back to basics for a second. A good lock can make all the difference in your home’s security. Install high-quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. This will prevent burglars from being able to kick down your door.

Vivint’s smart locks are a great, secure option. They’re a step up from traditional locks, giving you the ability to remotely control your locks from anywhere through the Vivint mobile app.

2. Secure windows

Next, burglars often try to get in through first-floor windows. Thwart their efforts by equipping all of your windows with secure window locks. There are several varieties depending on whether you have sliding or vertical windows.

To boost your window’s security even more, install Vivint’s window sensors. These devices will alert you whenever a window is opened or if it detects broken glass.

3. Fortify doors

Solid doors are your best bet—we’re talking doors made from metal or a robust wood, such as mahogany.

Also, reinforce your door frames with a thin layer of steel to make it harder for burglars to split the wood. This metal casing will also house the strike plate and make it harder for a potential burglar to force the door open.

Enhance the security of your door even more by adding one of Vivint’s doorbell cameras. This will notify you of any activity at your front door and allow you to view who’s there, even if you’re away from home. It will also discourage potential criminals from targeting your home.

4. Illuminate outdoors

Burglars love the dark. After all, the more light, the more likely someone will notice them and call the cops. So installing outdoor lighting, especially motion-activated lights, is a great deterrent.

Choose motion sensor lights and place them strategically around dark areas of your home, especially around entry points.

Vivint’s smart outdoor cameras, featuring motion detection and night vision, pair seamlessly with the Spotlight Pro for enhanced security. The Spotlight Pro intelligently detects and tracks individuals, illuminating potential intruders and employing intense lighting if they linger, all while offering a 140° field of view and improved image quality.

5. Maintain landscaping

Overgrown shrubbery, such as trees and bushes, can make you an easy target. Why? Well, this overgrowth often provides a convenient hiding spot for burglars as they try to break into your home.

Maintain a regular trimming schedule to cut down on these hiding places, especially around your doors and windows.

Even with regular landscaping, there are bound to be blind spots you can’t fix. In these areas, you can install one of Vivint’s outdoor cameras to increase your visibility.

6. Get a home security system

If you’re looking for a next-level, comprehensive security solution, then a monitored security system is the way to go. With these systems, you’ll get a full network of home security cameras, an alarm system, motion detectors, and more.

Vivint’s comprehensive security packages will cover your entire home, with 24/7 professional monitoring and a range of smart security devices. It will give you that extra peace of mind, both inside and outside your home.

7. Display visible measures

Your security is not something you want to hide. The more visible your security system is, the less likely you will be a target for a home invasion.

Beyond having visible security cameras, you can also put up signs around your home that announce a security system. You can even use signs that warn of a guard dog, even if you don’t actually have one. This kind of signage is a great way to deter criminal activity.

And Vivint has you covered here—when you purchase one of our security system packages, we include yard signs and window decals for you to use.

8. Lock down the garage

Not only does your garage house some of your valuables, but some garages double as an entry point into your home.

Consider installing a garage door opener that includes security features that close and lock your garage door automatically. Depending on what you have in your garage, you may also consider putting in a security camera and alarm.

Vivint’s garage door controller is a solid choice, even allowing you to monitor and control your garage door remotely.

9. Exercise social media caution

Burglars often do extensive research on their targets before a break-in, including checking out homeowners’ social media accounts. If they can determine when you’re away from home—especially when you’re on vacation—they’ll know when to strike.

So, as excited as you may be for your upcoming trip, resist the urge to post about your vacation plans online.

And when you’re on vacation, you can rest easy by keeping an eye on your home. Vivint’s mobile app will allow you to check on your security camera feeds whenever you want. Plus, Vivint will send you notifications whenever it detects suspicious activity around your home.

10. Inform neighbors

Let your neighbors know when you’re away on vacation. This way, they can keep an eye on your home and act if they see anything suspicious.

For an extra layer of protection, you can set up your Vivint’s security system to send alerts to neighbors and your local police department while you’re away.

11. Use timed lights

Lights turning on and off can signal that a home is occupied — and deter would-be burglars.

When you’re not home, set up timers to turn your lights on and off, giving the illusion of home activity.

Vivint makes this easy. With smart home integration, you can control Vivint’s smart lighting solutions remotely, set up precise timers, and utilize Away Lighting. This feature, available through the app, mimics home occupancy at night with random lighting patterns, giving the appearance of an occupied home and thwarting potential intruders when you’re away.

12. Safeguard valuables

Never flaunt your valuables. Keep them well away from windows so that prying eyes can’t look in and see them.

You may even consider investing in a safe where you can store your most important belongings.

13. Implement locks and bolts

We’ve already discussed deadbolts and smart door locks, but additional door security and locks are a great way to bolster your home’s defense. Consider using door jammers and bars as an extra layer of protection, especially with your sliding doors.

Vivint’s security pros can offer even more personalized recommendations with our security consultation services.

14. Manage keys wisely

While a spare key under the doormat may be convenient at times, it also gives burglars an easy way in.

Avoid hiding your house key anywhere outside your home.

Instead, look for alternatives.

For instance, you can entrust your neighbor with your spare key or use a secure lockbox. You can also invest in a secure keyless entry system, such as these options from Vivint.

15. Maintain home exterior

Regular property maintenance and upkeep create the impression of occupancy and deter potential intruders from targeting your home.

Combine your regular maintenance with Vivint’s smart home automation. With various smart home features, you can simulate activity when you’re not home. For instance, turn on music, TVs, and lights at various times to make it seem like someone is home.

16. Secure your wi-fi network

Prevent hackers from accessing your security system by setting a strong password for your wi-fi network.

With Vivint, your data privacy is a top priority. That’s why our security systems use encrypted communication, with all the latest security features.

17. Prevent porch pirates

Porch pirates — those who steal packages from people’s front porches — are an ever-growing frustration.

To combat this, don’t allow packages to accumulate. Use a doorbell camera, such as this video doorbell from Vivint, to keep an eye out for deliveries and deter package theft.

Get peace of mind with Vivint home security systems

Your number one priority is to keep your home and family members safe—and these easy security tips are designed to help you do just that.

If you’re interested in adding a dedicated security system to your home’s defense strategy, then check out Vivint’s security systems.

Here at Vivint, security is our business. We have worked hard to build security systems that cover your home from the outside in and give you true peace of mind. From top-level security devices to sophisticated smart home features, we have it all.

Here you’ll find not only some of the best home security systems on the market, but you’ll also enjoy free professional installation and expert recommendations from our pros.

Find out how Vivint can make your home more comfortable and convenient. Call us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.