The old assumption about home security was that the more convenient a house is, the easier it is to enter. Deadbolts and chains, as well as multiple sets of keys, were the only ways to ensure security in your property. Fortunately, the times when the two concepts had to be in opposition are over. Today, homeowners can choose from many products that help make their homes safer and more comfortable to live in at the same time. This article will introduce you to seven such items.
1. Lock Box
The simplest solution for securing your home as well as for increasing convenience when you need to gain access to your property. A lock box can hold a spare key, and you’ll need a code to unlock it. It will allow you to make sure that the right people will have access to the key and that none of the wrong people will.
It may seem like the main benefit of using a lock box is purely about security, but that is not entirely true. Convenience is equally essential. There’s no need to hide keys behind doormats and plant pots anymore; these two options will be the first places burglars check when trying to gain access to your property. You will not need to create multiple copies that might go missing. Tradespeople will be able to enter your home without your presence. If a family member gets locked out, he or she can get inside. Access to your key can be granted and revoked without dealing with the physical key.
2. Video Doorbell
The possibility to see and communicate with the person who rings your doorbell can provide a whole new level of safety for your property. With video doorbells, you can monitor visitors to your home and record their actions at all times, including when they try to approach your property without ringing.
The very fact that someone sees you will serve as an effective deterrent to any opportunistic burglar. Moreover, you will be able to communicate with anyone who rings your bell via your phone and direct the delivery man to a particular location. If there is a chance that it’s the postman, you can make sure of it without leaving your apartment.
3. Smart Outdoor Lighting
Properly arranged outdoor lighting helps prevent any intrusion and make your property safer. Motion-activated lights are a modern way to achieve the same effect without keeping your electrical system active throughout the night. These lights will illuminate a person’s path and make him or her noticeable to the neighbors and you.
However, positioning lights in the right spots will increase their efficiency significantly. Lights that are located near entry points, side gates, and dark corners will serve better than just a bright porch light. Modern technologies allow you to set sensitivity levels, control lighting via your phone, and integrate it with other security systems.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Any fuel-burning appliance produces carbon monoxide. It cannot be seen and smelled. However, in high concentration, it can be deadly. The only thing that can help you prevent poisoning is a detector that can notify you of high levels.
A carbon monoxide detector should be considered a must. It is not expensive, requires no regular maintenance except for annual testing and periodic battery replacement, and should be installed in every room with a fuel-burning appliance and in every floor of the building. If you haven’t done it yet, buy one immediately.
5. Safe
There are some things that you cannot afford to lose. Passports, deeds, valuable jewelry, documents, important backups, and any money you store in your house are among them. The safest way to store everything is in a safe, which can be either fireproof or not. During a burglary, which lasts less than ten minutes usually, an intruder will not be able to get what you store there.
The fact that the safe is fireproof is often overlooked. However, the fire in your house is a quite possible scenario, and any document can be lost due to it. A good quality fireproof safe will protect all your valuables from both scenarios. This device pays for itself in the first month after installation and continues paying for itself further.
6. Window and Door Sensors
These inexpensive and small devices are installed on the doors and windows to signal an alarm to your phone when anyone tries to get into your property. This is one of the cheapest ways to improve the security of your house since it covers the critical spots.
Besides improving the security of your home, sensors are quite useful in terms of convenience. For example, parents can set alerts when the external door opens. You can check the status of your doors and windows from the distance. You know exactly which windows are open if you need to set the alarm.
7. Backup Power Bank for Your Phone
Sometimes, this product doesn’t seem to be particularly necessary. But once you have an urgent need for it, you will understand its importance. Any power outage, an emergency, or long travels without charging spots can make your phone useless without a power bank.
Having a backup power bank in your pocket guarantees you that you can use your phone whenever you need. And regarding home security, you will always be able to use cameras, smart locks, alarm systems, and contact emergency services if it is necessary.
Conclusion
Safety and convenience are not mutually exclusive concepts. The best thing about any addition to the home is that it can help you improve both of these aspects. None of the products mentioned here requires professional skills to install or considerable expenses.
This list can help you make your home both safer and more convenient in a couple of weekends.
