Home Security Basics

Start learning Home Security with these basic guides

Similar to any section on this website, we first need to cover the basic topics and answer some questions.

This category is just about that.

I’ll talk about terms that you find in home security niche, provide some real case studies, present the statistical data and more.

Here are the subcategories of the Home Security Basics:

  • General
  • Case studies

These subcategories are introduced to easy up the process of learning about the basic aspect of home security.

Here is what I’ve prepared for you so far:

General

The General subcategory contains blog posts about various home security threats, statistics, potential problems, mistakes, installation tips and similar topics.

Case Studies

Since I don’t want to talk only about potential threats, here is something real for you – case studies of the events that actually happened.

Do we live in a terrible world?

The question is a bit harsh, but for those people who live in poverty and are surrounded by crime, the answer is, I’m quite sure, yes.

To the rest of the world, I would describe it as a grey zone.

We wake up, go to work (or work from home), have some social activity, and… occasionally we hear that someone has been robbed.

That fact breaks the normal comfort of an ordinary man, and instead of watching a football game, we start looking for smart security devices and self-protection gadgets.

But the problem is – we should start thinking about this before we hear that someone was unlucky on the streets or at home.

For me, the question about security should start before you buy your new house / apartment.

In case you already live there, then just start thinking about it right now, at this very best moment.

And this is where we have the first question:

What are the basics of home security?

Should I reply with a definition? – Yeah!

I think that the the basics of all home security are these three things:

  • Collecting data about past security threats
  • Home security audit
  • Creating scenarios and solutions to prepare yourself

This is my idea of what steps should be taken if you want to secure your home.

And here is the explanation for each of these.

This is where you want to remind yourself of all the detective and Sherlock Holmes type-of-movies you’ve ever watched.

You need to be able to gather as much information as possible in order to create a relevant model that will help you prepare for potential hazards.

Here’s a checklist for collecting data about past security threats that happened to you or someone you know.

  • General Information
  • Incident Details
  • Security Measures in Place
  • Response to the Incident
  • Aftermath and Impact
  • Documentation and Record Keeping

Let’s see what each of these means.

General Information

Create a list of things that happened, with specific date and time of each incident.

Document the exact location of the security threat (e.g., which area of the home or neighborhood).

It would be good if you can create a map. This will help you look for the patterns.

It is also important to identify the nature of the threat (e.g., burglary, vandalism, package theft, cyberattack, fire).

When you have a list of things, you can proceed with the next step.

Incident Details

Try to combine all details you got in the initial step and briefly describe each incident.

For instance, you can describe how the security breach occurred – forced entry, unlocked door, security system hacking and similar.

If that’s possible, try to define the time frame between the beginning and ending of the event. This events usually happen during night time, or when people are at work.

If you are allowed to use your camera or phone, try to document any signs of forced entry or tampering, such as broken locks or windows.

You will of course take photos or videos if that thing happened to you, but if want to take a photo of someone else’s house, be sure that they allow you to do this.

Don’t try doing this to someone you don’t know.

You can talk to neighbors, but try not to be pushy, since it make look suspicious.

The most important peace of information – list any items that were stolen, damaged, or compromised.

Security Measures in Place

Run a basic audit of the security systems, in order to see how effective the existing security measures were in deterring or mitigating the threat.

For instance, you can draw a simple sketch and place the cameras, in order to identify the specific vulnerabilities.

It doesn’t need to be a 3D model of the house like I made in this article about small house outdoor security plan, but try making an accurate representation of the object.

Response to the Incident

What happened during the incident? Did someone try to deal with the danger, called the police, called someone for help?

Make a record of this.

Document any interaction with law enforcement, including response time and actions taken by the authorities.

Check how the community or neighbors responded, if they were involved.

Aftermath and Impact

Calculate the estimated financial cost of the incident, including stolen items, damages, and repairs.

Consider any long-term effects on the property or residents (e.g., changes in living habits, increased security measures).

Assess the emotional or psychological impact on the victims (e.g., fear, anxiety, loss of peace of mind).

This could be a good reason to start the ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program.

Now that you have a lot of information gathered, you can proceed with the next step.

This is where you create a detailed security audit of your property, using the information from your “detective case”.

Think about a burglar, what would they do if your home is the target.

What are the entry points, weak spots, unlit areas. All of this is the topic of the home security audit of your home.

The most obvious list of things to check if you have a house is this one:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Fencing and gates
  • Lighting
  • Garage and sheds
  • Home automation

In case you live in the apartment, you might want to check these things, aside doors and windows:

  • Fire-escape stairs
  • Elevators

Here are some essential tips for creating a list of items for the audit:

Doors – Check the quality of exterior doors. Are they solid core or metal? Hollow doors are easier to break. Test all door and window locks to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Windows – Check window locks and ensure they work properly. Inspect the strength of the glass.

Fencing and gates – Inspect fences for weak spots or easy access points.

Lighting – Check if all lights are working, and replace bulbs or fixtures as needed.

Garage and sheds – Check if garage doors and outdoor sheds are locked securely. Their lighting should work, too.

Home automation – If using a smart home system, run a test, see if’s working properly.

Fire-escape stairs – Check with neighbors if you can test the stairs together.

Elevators – don’t test the elevator by yourself. Call the company that is doing the maintenance, see if there were any issues when they tested it last time.

These are basically your contingency plans.

You want to create several events and describe them in details.

For instance:

You left your home and went to work. You are not sure if the stove is left on.

We’ve all been in this situation, right?

So, who do you call? A friend that lives close by? What if they are at work?

The most obvious choice would be the closest person. But again – what if they are not home?

Smart cooking systems then? Yes, if you can afford it.

Don’t expect the right answer from me, this are are the questions that you need to answer.

Once you create the list of questions and answers, your basic home security plan is ready.

Start implementing the solutions!

Marvin McAlister is an enthusiastic advocate for home safety and security, possessing a solid grasp of the subject through years of personal and professional involvement with security equipment. Check more about Marvin here.

Disclaimer

The content of this page is meant exclusively for informational purposes. Conducting a professional safety audit is our recommendation when there is a proven danger.

Categories

Home security sidebar basics category
Home security sidebar physical measures category
Home security sidebar electronic category

Subcategories

Basics 》 general • case studies

Physical measures 》 door security • window security • perimeter security

Electronic 》 intrusion detection • alarm systems • surveillance systems • access control systems

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– Safety plans
》Home security
– Fire safety
– Outdoor safety
– Firearm safety
– Family safety
– Disaster preparation

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