Any home in any community is not immune to theft, vandalism or home invasion risks. These are very scary situations to consider, and it is natural to want to protect yourself. If, like most people, you are staying close to home in 2020, then you’ll want your home to have top-notch security measures.

Consider some of the practical, simple and affordable ways that you can make household security upgrades. They might be the keys to keeping strangers off your property and avoiding costly homeowners insurance claims.

Buy a Home Security System

Many security systems now include cameras and motion-detection capabilities. If anyone ever tries to enter your home, then chances are they will get caught on film. Many of today's smart home systems also allow users to access video from numerous devices. These systems can even call the police or emergency services if they pick up sounds or video that indicate that a break-in has occurred.

Reinforce Your Locks

Locking your doors is still your first line of defense against intruders. However, even thieves can pick keyholes. That’s why it’s important to include more than one lock on all exterior doors. These include doors, windows, crawl spaces and entrances to basements.

Add deadbolts and sliding chain locks on the inside of all doors. For added security, consider adding a double lock on the exterior of the door, too. Keep in mind, many smart locks now have keyless entry and keycode capabilities. These can further reduce risks of someone gaining entry to the home.

Secure All Doors & Windows

Doors and windows that have damaged hinges or that are not well-sealed are more easily broken. Thus, even a strong lock might not keep someone out. Check the seals around access points to make sure they are still tight and do not budge.

Install Automatic Lighting

Leaving lights on around the house can make people think someone is at home, even if you are not. You can set up timers to help lights turn on and off at regular intervals. For extra security, install motion activated lighting near entrances like your driveway or front door. These can alert you if someone approaches the home.

Keep Up Outside Appearances

Thieves often strike homes where they think the homeowner is absent for long periods of time. They might strike when someone leaves to go on vacation, or even when a home sits empty after the owner’s death. Therefore, you always want to give the impression that you watch out for your property. If you plan to be away for a time, do your yard work beforehand and arrange to have a friend pick up your mail or newspapers. Simply asking someone to check on your house during an absence can give the impression that someone is at home.

Also Read: 5 Common Home Insurance Myths