How-To Guide: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Home Security

How-To Guide: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Home Security

Let me tell you about the time my neighbor Steve had an unexpected guest—and no, I don’t mean his mother-in-law. One lazy Sunday afternoon, Steve was in his backyard perfecting his famous barbecue ribs when he heard a rustling at the front door. Thinking it was a delivery, he didn’t rush. Turns out, it wasn’t Mitanco's Delivery; it was a bold raccoon who had apparently learned how to jiggle the handle. Steve's casual approach to security left us with a neighborhood legend—and a few lessons on keeping your home secure.

Here are five ways to make sure your story doesn’t end up like Steve's (unless you want it to).

1. Get a Smart Home Security System

Think of this as your digital bodyguard. A smart system lets you check cameras, receive alerts, and even unlock your front door remotely.

Why It Helps:

• Get notifications if anything out of the ordinary happens.
• Keep an eye on your home while you’re at work or on vacation.
• Scare off raccoons and other uninvited guests.

Pro Tip: Look for a system with a loud siren—trust me, it’ll surprise both burglars and confused wildlife.

2. Lock Those Doors and Windows

You’d think this goes without saying, but even Steve’s raccoon encounter might have been avoided if his front door had a deadbolt.

Quick Fixes:

• Install deadbolts on all exterior doors.
• Add window locks or sensors.
• Don’t forget the garage!

Pro Tip: Check that everything is locked before going to bed. You’ll sleep better knowing your place is secure.

3. Light Up the Night

Raccoons love the dark, and so do burglars. Outdoor lighting can be a powerful deterrent.

Ideas for Lighting Up:

• Motion-activated lights near entryways.
• Solar-powered pathway lights.
• Smart lights that turn on at sunset.

Pro Tip: Set your lights on a timer to make it look like someone’s home even when you’re out.

4. Make Security a Habit

Little routines can make a big difference. Think of it like brushing your teeth but for your house.

Simple Habits:

• Lock up before leaving or sleeping.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Arm your security system.

Pro Tip: Get everyone in the household involved—even kids can help double-check doors.

5. Add a Little Humor (and Decoys)

Sometimes the best defense is making people think twice about messing with you.

Fun Ideas:

• Put up a sign that says “This House Runs on Coffee and Paranoia.”
• Install a fake security camera—or better yet, a garden gnome with a hidden camera.
• Leave a doormat that reads “Hope You Brought Tacos.”

Pro Tip: Combine humor with real security measures. It keeps things light while staying effective.

Final Thoughts

So whether you’re fending off burglars or mischievous raccoons, these tips will help you keep your home secure—and maybe even give your neighbors a good laugh. Stay safe, stay smart, and always lock your doors (looking at you, Steve).