Do It Yourself Home Security

Protect Your Home Without Emptying Your Wallet

No matter where you live, you are susceptible to crime. How many times do you read a news story about an incident where the neighbors say, “We didn’t think it could happen here.” You may not have the money to invest in an expensive home security system. But you can take steps to protect your home and family that will cost you little or no money.

Free Do it Yourself Security

1. If you have high hedges covering the window of your home, they are great for keeping the sun out. But they could help criminals get into your home. Burglars want to get into your home without being seen. Get some hedge trimmers and cut down those hedges and you have decreased your chance of someone entering unseen.

2. A little common sense goes a long way. Criminals are bold and many will enter your home or attack you in the daylight. Many thieves enter through unlocked doors or windows. Simply remember to lock your doors and windows—even when you are home during the day and you are automatically safer. If you have valuables, don’t leave them where they can be seen by a criminal peeking inside. Either hide them or keep your curtains and blinds closed.

3. Know your neighbors. They can spot suspicious activity and call the police if you are not home. If you are taking a vacation, you don’t want newspapers piling up in the yard or mail in the mailbox. Ask your neighbors to pick up your papers. You can also take the extra step and organize a neighborhood watch program.

Low Cost DIY Home Security

1. As mentioned above, criminals don’t like to be seen. Many of them will lurk at night waiting for the perfect opportunity to get inside. But if they approach your home and a light comes on, they will likely flee—afraid that someone has seen them or that you have been awaken by the light. Motion sensor lights can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Depending on what you purchase, they can cost between $20 and $100. Install the lights in vulnerable areas of your home: outside a basement door or window, on the dark side of your home or near your entrances. If these lights are set on a motion sensor, you shouldn’t see an increase in your electric bills because the lights are burning all night.

2. You don’t have to purchase an expensive home security system to make a criminal think you are protected. You can purchase a yard sign and window sticker for less than $20. Even if the name of the alarm company is made up, the thief is not likely to take the time to call 411 and make sure the company is real. If you have the sign of a real security system and you don’t actually have the system installed, you may get a call from the company asking you to remove the sign.

3. Wireless will lock and unlock your doors when you leave and come home. You won’t have to fumble for your keys if you are coming home in the dark (or even in the daylight). Some car companies offer wireless remotes that will allow you to start your car remotely. This is great for cold mornings when you want to warm up your car without allowing it to run with the keys inside.

4. Many homeowners have dogs exclusively for the purpose of guarding the home. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a purebred dog, you can go to the pound and rescue a dog. You will not only save a dog from possible euthanasia, you will have a loyal family pet. Be sure that you train the dog to know who is safe and who is not. You don’t want the dog attacking your in-laws when they come to visit.

Other Security Measures

While many alarm companies require you to purchase their systems and pay to have them installed, many have do-it-yourself alarm kits. These kits, which can cost less than $200, will allow homeowners to assemble and install the alarm. Once the alarm is installed, the homeowner can pay a monthly fee for monitoring, which can be around $25 a month with some services.

If you want to be sure every member of your home is safe, install an intercom system. This can also be a way for someone to ask for help if they see someone trying to enter the home. These intercoms also come in do-it-yourself kits that you can install on a weekend.

Finally, don’t make the mistake of thinking a crime cannot happen to you. You don’t need a lot of money to take some of these simple measures to protect your home.