Top Outdoor Safety Mistakes I See All the Time

The Little Things That Add Up

Published: 06-Apr-2025

You know, after spending years helping folks set up basic home security—especially outdoors—I’ve started to notice the same mistakes popping up again and again.

And here’s the thing: they’re all small. Most of them are so simple, you probably wouldn’t think twice about them.

But when it comes to outdoor safety, those little things can stack up in a bad way.

So let me walk you through a few common ones I see all the time—and how you can fix ’em without spending a fortune.

Leaving Tools or Ladders Out Overnight

This one drives me a little nuts. I’ve seen folks leave a ladder leaned right up against their house. That’s not just messy—it’s basically an open invitation.

“But I was going to use it again tomorrow.”

Sure, I get it. But so might someone trying to climb in through your second-story window tonight.

Unlocked Gates That “No One Uses Anyway”

I hear this all the time:

“That side gate? Eh, we never use it.”

That doesn’t mean no one else will. If it opens, it needs to be locked. Bonus points if you add a sign or a sensor light nearby.

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind.

No Lights on the Side or Back of the House

You’d be surprised how many homes I’ve walked past at night with pitch-black backyards.

Outdoor motion sensor lights aren’t just for catching raccoons—they tell people, “Someone’s watching.”

They don’t even have to be expensive. Solar-powered lights will do the job just fine.

Old Locks That “Still Kinda Work”

If you’ve got to jiggle the key or kick the gate just right to get it shut… it’s time. I know it still works technically, but trust me — it won’t when you actually need it to.

A strong weatherproof lock for the outdoors costs, what, $25? Worth it.

Shrubs and Bushes That Block Windows or Walkways

Look, I love a well-landscaped yard. But I’ve seen way too many homes with huge bushes right under the front window — prime hiding spots.

Keep ‘em trimmed low, or better yet, swap them out for thorny plants. Nature’s original security system.

Cameras Installed Too High (or Too Low)

If I had a dollar for every camera aimed at the sky, I’d have… well, at least enough to buy a better camera.

Aim it at eye level near entry points. You want faces, not foreheads — or worse, just the tops of people’s hats.

Check here some tips regarding the security camera placements.

Not Checking Outdoor Areas Regularly

When’s the last time you walked your yard at night?

Seriously, grab a flashlight and do a quick check every few weeks. Look for dark corners, loose locks, or anything that feels out of place.

You’ll catch little things before they turn into big ones.

Quick Fixes That Actually Make a Difference

Here’s the deal: you don’t need a high-tech system or a security team on speed dial. Just stay a little more aware, fix the easy stuff, and don’t assume “it won’t happen to me.”

Because I’ve been doing this long enough to tell you —it can. And it does.

But the good news? You can be ready for it.

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.