Spring is finally here (so long, Polar Vortex!), and you’ve probably already got an itch for some spring cleaning. But after your closet is organized and your kitchen has been scrubbed from top to bottom (don’t forget those refrigerator drawers), it’s time to think about making some spring home security fixes!
Easy checks around your home will do wonders for your peace of mind this summer. It only takes moments to make sure your locks are secure and your windows can be safely opened to let in that fresh breeze. Here are our top three tips for fitting home security into your spring cleaning schedule.
1. Check Your Door Locks
Your doors are the gateways to your home, so tightening them up should be your first step when you’re making sure your home is safe and secure. First, test the screws that secure the lock to your door, as well as the bolts running through the actual lock. You’ll notice anything loose pretty quickly, and there shouldn’t be anything a screwdriver or wrench can’t fix!
Next, make sure your door locks aren’t sticking. If they are, this could mean they’re dirty. Cleaning out your deadbolt is easy, and only takes about 10 minutes with a bit of canned air and WD-40.
Fluctuating temperatures can also warp your doors and door frames. Test each door to make sure it’s in good condition — that it doesn’t open too easily and that it’s not difficult to close. Replace your door or frame immediately if you notice any signs of weakness. You don’t want to come home to find a door kicked in.
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Your doors are all set, but you can bet an opportunistic thief is going to take advantage of your cracked window during those warm summer nights. Be proactive in your home’s security by installing window stops or, better yet, use magnetic entry sensors to determine whether your cracked window is letting a burglar and a breeze through. These sensors come with adhesive, so installation is as easy as sticking the sensors to the frame, and they’re small and hardly noticeable, so you don’t have to compromise on style.
Just like with doors, you should also make sure your window locks and frames aren’t damaged or weakened, and replace them if you notice any vulnerabilities.
If your thumb is even slightly green, you can put it to double use this spring! Keeping the bushes and hedges around your house well-trimmed and in good shape can make a whole lot of difference in your home’s security.
Out-of-control shrubbery not only makes your neighbors give you the side-eye, it also provides intruders with a perfect place to hide. The shrubs and trees around your windows should be trimmed low and kept well-maintained to make sure you’re not inadvertently providing burglars with a new hot spot. Make sure you drag out the mower, too — a shaggy lawn shouts “empty house!” to enterprising thieves.
You can probably knock out these tasks in one afternoon — and they’ll pay off for a lot longer than that. Have a great, safe spring, and feel free to share more tips in the comments!
About Cara Giaimo and Simplisafe Cara Giaimo is a blogger for SimpliSafe. She likes to shout “SPRING CLEAN FOREVER” while she scrubs kitchen grout. SimpliSafe Home Security is making its way to the top of its industry.
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