5 Affordable Ways to Secure Your Home

As a homeowner, you want to be proactive in keeping your home safe and secure. But, while you are concerned about possible break-ins and other problems, you don’t have an endless amount of money to spend on pricey security systems. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to secure your home that won’t break the bank.

Harness the Power of Your iPad

Use your iPad to monitor your home. Set up the tablet as a nanny cam that enables you to keep tabs on your property while you are away. Or turn your iPad into a security camera with the free Presence Pro app. This app sends a live webcam feed to you online while you are gone. By using the camera on your iPad, you always know what is happening in your home and can call for help if there’s a problem.

Install Vibration Alarms

Most thieves use windows to gain access into your home. In addition to making sure each window is shut securely and has a lock, invest in vibration alarms. Available at Home Depot for less than $12 each, the sensor detects vibrations and then emits a 100 dB alarm that alerts you and your neighbors to a possible break-in and scares the intruder away.

Keep Windows Covered

Speaking of windows, Bob Vila states that window and door shades are a budget-friendly way to improve your home’s security by making it difficult for burglars to peek inside. Look for window and door treatments that provide some light filtration so you get some natural light during the day and your home looks occupied at night.

Set up Timers on the Lights

A great way to make it look like you are home is to put your interior lights, TV and stereo on a timer. This way, if a burglar is casing your home and sees light go on in the living room, he or she will think the place is occupied and move on. Either purchase a digital light timer that allows the lights to cycle on and off in a random pattern, or purchase light switches that you can control from your smartphone. For example, the WeMo light switch is available from Belkin for $49.99 and enables you to turn your home’s lights on and off from the checkout line at the supermarket, your office or a hotel room across the world.

Purchase a Barking Dog Alarm

If you don’t own a dog (or have a dog that would rather slobber on an intruder than bark), buy a monitor that senses when someone is approaching the house and makes a noise that sounds just like a vicious dog. Amazon sells the Electronic Barking Secure Watch Dog for just under $63. This device emits microwave signals that allow it to sense if someone is coming from up to 21 feet away. If the person continues to walk toward your house, the barking becomes louder and more frequent.