When we’re at home, we want to feel safe and secure. With COVID-19, we’re all spending more time indoors than ever before – but being at home more often doesn’t necessarily mean your house is less vulnerable to intruders.
Considering the security measures in your house can help protect yourself and the people you live with, at a time where the home has never been more of a sanctuary. Take a look at our top recommendations for improving safety around your home.
Security Systems
There are over 2.5 million burglaries in the US each year, with two-thirds of those taking place at home. Also, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be targeted – while less than 1 in 5 houses having a home security system in place.
Instead of making your home (and the people in it) vulnerable, invest in a security system to safeguard your spaces. There’s a huge range of good DIY options available.
For more advanced features like smart home capacities or carbon monoxide and smoke monitoring, go for a high-tech professional choice. Either way, a good security system will keep you safe.
Windows and Doors
Insecure doors and windows are an invitation to home intruders. Make sure you’re regularly checking that your doors and windows are closed and locked, especially when leaving the house.
If you’re working from home due to the pandemic, it’s useful to make sure that your door is locked when you’re in – with a fire escape route planned simultaneously, just in case.
To further protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s useful to add some simple extras to your windows and doors. There’s no need for prison-style bars here, either – a video doorbell or deadbolt for your door, or glass break sensors for your windows, can give you peace of mind.
Wireless Safety
Although keeping our homes safe is often concerned with the physical aspects of our houses, making sure our technology systems are secure is vital. While you may think that working from home makes everything more secure, criminals don’t even need to step inside to access your valuables – they can do it remotely, without you knowing they’re there.
Your personal Wi-Fi network is rife with personal and financial information – and for a savvy criminal, it’s catnip. Ensure your router is secure, and encrypt your Wi-Fi network with a strong password. Make sure, too, to use a firewall. You never know who could be trying to log on.
Get Neighborly
The best resources we have are the people around us. San Francisco is famed for its neighborly spirit, and by getting to know your neighbors and looking out for each other, you can all help stay safe.
If you don’t know your neighbors, consider joining a neighborhood watch scheme – or, if there’s not one set up, create your own! Knowing your neighbors also has huge mental health benefits during this tricky period – having people to check in with has never been more important.
Landlords
It’s important to check in with your landlord before making any changes to your home security, to make sure it won’t affect your contract. Also, a good landlord or property management team will take every step to make sure your home is protected, for you and yours.
To find out more about how you can protect yourself and the people you live with inside your rental property, contact PMI San Francisco today. Our team of property managers will help with every step of making your space as safe as possible. Get in touch now.
