Moving to a New Miami Home in 2023 – the First Areas to Secure

• Check the Door and Window Locks:

A good place to start when securing your new home is to check all the door and window locks. You want to look at the condition of each, including the frame itself. Any damage, wear and tear or issues need to be dealt with immediately. You don’t want to make it easy for your house to be broken into.

Even if the locks are in good condition and you don’t see signs of damage, security experts always suggest you change them when moving in. You don’t know who the previous owner gave the key to and if they still hold a copy. It’s not worth taking the chance.

Whilst your security expert is replacing your locks, you can have them look at your overall security and provide their professional opinions and options for greater peace of mind.

• Invest in a Home Alarm Security System:

Today’s smart home monitoring systems provide you with remote access to arm/disarm the system, monitor everyone that comes and leaves the house, check in with various exterior cameras and may even monitor such things as water leaks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Worth noting, a home alarm system isn’t meant to be your only security measure. Home alarm systems work best as an added security measure in conjunction with a range of basic steps and tools.

• Make Sure the Exterior Is Well-Lit:

Making sure the exterior of the home is well-lit isn’t just to make the house look nice, although that’s an added benefit, it also provides added security. If the perimeter of your house is lit, would-be intruders are much less likely to attempt a break-in. The last thing they want is to be visible to passersby and neighbors.

In terms of the best lights to install, motion detector lights are a great option as they won’t stay on all night only when they detect movement.

• Trim Overgrown Trees, Bushes and Shrubs Near the Home:

If you have any mature trees, bushes and shrubs with branches near or touching the home, this can act as cover for intruders. They can easily sneak under the greenery and get in undetected. This is a good time to do a little pruning and ensure there are no hiding spaces.

Much like improving your outdoor lighting improves the look of your home, you also get the benefit of a smarter yard when you take care of pruning and trimming.

• Use Window Bars for Added Security:

If you have a lot of windows on the main floor you may not feel secure even when they are locked. A good solution can be to add window bars. Even if the intruder were to break the window, they can’t get past the bars. Today you can find window bars that are decorative looking and meant to blend into the decor and feel of the home. They aren’t the eyesore they used to be.

• Sliding Doors Can Be Secured with Extra Devices:

Should the home have sliding patio doors, you want to be sure there is a working lock on the doors but there are also other security devices you can use. Using a security bar in the track is one of the easiest and most effective options. Even if you forget to lock the door, as long as the security bar is in place, opening the door will be impossible.

Home security alarm systems can also come with glass break detectors, and if your system offers this feature it’s wise to install one on the sliding doors. Door sensors can also be used.

Finally, you may want to consider upgrading the lock that is currently on the door. Patio doors are notorious for having flimsy locks as the factory standard, so there’s a good chance you can find something better.

• The Garage Door Can Also Pose Potential Issues:

Attached garages with a door that leads into the home are another red flag when it comes to potential entry points for home invasions. This is why you want to be sure the garage door is in good condition, has a lock and ideally a good-quality lock that can’t be messed with. If you’re installing a home alarm system, you may want to install a door sensor on the garage door and position an exterior camera above it.

Should the home require a new garage door, choose one without windows, or windows that are placed along the top and out of reach. You don’t want people to be able to peer into your garage and suss out the situation and your belongings.

• Use Smart Technology and Automation Whenever Possible:

Besides a home alarm, other smart technology and automation tools can help secure your home. This includes things like scheduling your lights to come on so that it looks like someone is home, sensors with real-time monitoring so you can determine what is a false alarm and what isn’t, two-way talking on a smart doorbell so you can speak to strangers on your patio and more.

These types of technology are typically controlled through companion apps on your smartphone, which means you don’t have to be home to use the features and tools.

• Don’t Wait to Call in a Professional Locksmith and Home Security Advisor: