Owning a home comes with certain responsibilities, such as paying your taxes, maintaining the exterior and interior of the property, and most importantly, making sure your home is safe for you and your family. There are many factors to consider when safeguarding your home. Here are some tips that all Chicago homeowners should know in order to keep your house safe and sound.

Keep Your Exterior Secure

This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but most burglaries occur when a door or window has been left unlocked. Inspect your exterior doors – your door frames should be strong and your hinges protected. If your home had a previous owner, you may want to change the locks to ensure that no one else has a key. If the front door has a mail slot or dog door, make sure that the dead bolt can’t be accessed by reaching through them. Sliding glass doors can be reinforced by adding a dowel into the door track. As for your windows, those on the bottom floor are the most likely to be a point of entry if they aren’t secure. Test the locks, and if they’re on the flimsy side, you may want to replace them with something more durable. Safety bars are also an option if you’re concerned that certain windows are too easily accessible. If you don’t like the look of the safety bars, consider adding some landscaping with thorns or prickly leaves adjacent to your windows –  if that doesn’t always keep the prowler out, you’ll certainly hear them coming.

Add Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting adds to the safety factor in two ways. By installing lights in the front yard, backyard, driveway, and pathways, you’re creating a well-lit path for you to maneuver on and you’re deterring vandals and burglars from choosing your home as their target. If you’re concerned about your energy costs and consumption, opt for motion activated lights or those that are solar powered.

Add a Security System

When choosing to add a security system to your home, there are many options to choose from. It simply depends on your lifestyle and the type of protection you are looking for. If you opt to go with a security system provider, generally the provider will alert the authorities if there is a breach, whether you’re home or not. If you decide to use a DIY system, typically you’ll be able to monitor your home through any smart device. Determine what is best for your lifestyle and budget.

Meet the Neighbors

No matter who your neighbors are, you already have something in common – safety in your neighborhood. Make an effort to introduce yourself; by creating a relationship with your neighbors, they’ll be more likely to keep an eye out and let you know if they see anything suspicious.

Keep Up the Yard

Overgrown trees and bushes are the perfect hiding spot for someone who may be casing your home. Eliminate the concern by keeping them trimmed. Avoid landscaping with tall shrubs near your windows and doors, and instead opt for plants that are closer to ground level. In addition to keeping the landscaping tidy, you also want to keep the yard clean and free of debris. Avoid leaving things out that could tempt a thief such as tooling, hoses, or ladders. Keep these items stored in a locked shed or outbuilding.

It’s a lot more fun to decorate your home than secure it, but in the end your safety should be a top priority. Identify which precautions should be addressed and make a plan. Once your safety measures are in place, you and your family can enjoy your home with peace of mind. What are some safety tips you have implemented?