Home improvement projects are huge investments that require time, effort, and money. These investments require careful planning and management to ensure that they provide the most value in terms of increasing the value of your home and improving the quality of life in the home. Before embarking on any project, it is important to think about the security and safety measures that need to be incorporated into the plan. Here are some tips to help ensure your home remains safe and secure as you make changes.
1. Make sure that all areas of your home are equipped with appropriate smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide detectors, and other alarm systems. These detectors help ensure that in the event of an emergency, the issue can be detected early and dealt with. In addition, these alarm systems often have emergency notification systems that allow them to alert neighbors and emergency services with your location in the case of any issues.
2. Check for weak points in the home’s security perimeter. Look for gaps where water pipes, wires, and other infrastructure enter the home. Identify loose shingles, floorboards, or other exterior components that could be used to gain access to the home and address the issues. In addition, ensure trees and shrubs are pruned back to avoid easy access to second story windows.
3. Update equipment and locks. Keeping up with technology ensures that you are able to take full advantage of the latest safety and security measures available. In addition, consider changing out locks on windows and doors, or if appropriate consider installing biometric locks for more secure access to buildings.
4. Invest in outside lighting. Installing outdoor lighting can help illuminate potential danger, deter thieves, and provide you with a sense of peace-of-mind. Consider motion sensitive lighting, directional lighting, or even lighting controlled from a device.
5. Install smarter doorbells and stronger doors. Smart doorbells can provide an extra level of security and deter unwanted visitors. Additionally, look for doors with a higher strength-to-weight ratio, and consider upgrading locks and door frames with reinforced materials for added strength. For extra protection, check into home security systems with smartphone controls and automated text alerts.
6. Hidden security systems. Make sure that any security or safety systems are out of sight and hidden from view. Installation of a home security system that’s out of sight is a great way to ensure the security of your home without detracting from the design.
7. Reinforced windows and blinds. Look for security film for windows that can help hold broken glass in place during an emergency. Electronic blinds can also be installed that can be controlled from outside the home and are out of reach of windows.
Practical Measures: As we move beyond the basics we can look at practical measures to add security and safety features to our homes. A good perimeter wall with a secure gate, strong doors with reinforced locks and sensors, light and motion detectors, stockpile of emergency supplies like food, water, medications and more can help give you peace of mind.
Structural Integrity: In home improvement projects it is important to think about the structural integrity of the building. Check for weak points and / or cracks in walls or foundations that can be easily compromised. Look for areas where electrical wiring and plumbing can be exposed and consider installing reinforcing plates and bolts to improve the structural integrity of the home.
Surveillance: Surveillance systems are becoming increasingly popular not just for businesses, but also for homes. Whether it’s CCTV cameras, video doorbells, or even motion detecting cameras, there are a wide variety of options available. A smart surveillance system can be a cost-effective solution for added security and safety.
Safe Storage: Where and how you store items in your home determines if they are easily accessible to burglars or not. Look into buying strong safes and cabinets that can be securely locked and stored in a place difficult to access.
Electronics and Data: How securely are the electronics and data in your home stored? Consider keeping your electronic devices in a locked cabinet. Look into backup solutions such as cloud storage and encrypted hard drives. With so much of our lives stored digitally, it is important to safeguard the data with strong passwords and up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
Home Automation: By automating many of the security and safety measures in your home, you can rest assured that your family is protected. Smart lights, automated locks, and more can all be connected to home security systems to provide you with control and peace of mind.
Fire Exits: It’s important to think about safe exits in the event of an emergency. Where are the weakest walls or window openings in the home? Are there any obstacles such as furniture or boxes blocking exits or important escape routes? If your home is two-storied, consider installing fire escape ladders or platforms outside. Make sure everyone in the household knows the quickest escape route.