Kickstart your home security spring clean

As we step into spring, we start to consider new projects around the home and garden. Whether it’s simply a spring clear-out, a lick of paint, new kitchen, or a big renovation project, there are so many home improvement projects which get added to our spring to-do lists.  

However, there’s one area of the home which isn’t always considered when putting the spring to-do list together, and that’s home security. As the cold winter months can often take a toll on your home, it’s important to check your home security, what needs updating and what needs replacing.

To make sure your home security provides you with the security you need and require, the experts here at Yale have provided some top tips on where to start when spring cleaning your home security system.

Start at the front door

Used as the entrance to your home for family, friends and guests, the front door is often in constant use, so can easily get damaged or be in need of updates and repairs.

When looking at any updates that are required for your front door, consider the security elements and what you want from the entrance to your home. If your lock looks damaged, is not fitted correctly or isn’t locking correctly, it’s time to make an update as the security of your door will be compromised.

If using a traditional mechanical lock, make sure the replacement is of a high quality and meets the required locking standard. Or if you’re looking to upgrade your security and want a locking system which could benefit your lifestyle as well as your security, a smart lock could be the perfect alternative.

A smart lock will allow you to check the status of your lock from anywhere at any time, so you can check the door is locked and secured when you’re not at home, giving you peace of mind.

With a smart lock, it’s possible to share virtual keys to others, such friends, family or trusted neighbours. These can then be revoked when the access is no longer needed, which ensures you’re always in control of your home security.

Organise the outdoors

The winter weather can bring disruption to our gardens, both at the front and the back of the property. Bad weather can cause damage to the outside space, and stops many from going out in the garden, meaning there’s more to clear up when spring comes along.

And so, when we step into spring, it’s important to tackle these jobs in the garden, fixing any damages from the weather such as broken fence panels, gates or sheds and trimming back hedges. For a burglar, a broken fence panel can provide easier access into the garden, and so it’s important to get these fixed to prevent any intruders operating in the area.

Areas such as overgrown hedges, bushes or foliage can create cover for any unwanted guests in your garden, so by chopping back any overgrown hedges in the garden you will help to reduce the number of hiding places for burglars.

A simple tidy-up of the garden can make a huge difference to the look and security of your garden, preventing easy access into your home and showing you take care of the management of your property.

Be alert and aware of activity

Smart security has seen a huge boost in recent years, with more people starting to invest in smart products to help with the protection of their home.

One product which is worth considering when upgrading your home security is smart CCTV. Perfect for monitoring your home throughout the spring, summer, and the rest of the year, smart CCTV allows you monitor activity in and around your home from anywhere in the world at any time, all through your smartphone.

Positioning your cameras to cover entrances to your property such as the front door, any side doors, back doors or windows, lets you keep an eye on any suspicious activity around your home or capture anyone trying to gain access to your property. It can also keep you informed of who is at your property - has the dog walker popped round or are the children back home from school? With a smart lock, you have eyes on your home, all through your smartphone.

Smart security cameras aren’t just useful for external use, they can also be used inside your home, with internal smart security cameras. Simply set up in the areas of your home which require surveillance, such as a home office or hallway. Or if you want to watch over your pet while you’re out, simply set the camera up to check what your furry friend gets up to when home alone.

Smart security cameras can give you added peace of mind, which allows you to always be in the know of what’s happening in and around your home. 

Spring clean your security

When looking at what security measures you have in place already and how you can improve these, it’s important to check all areas of your home, both inside and out, and consider how you want to control your home security.

Check the locks on all external doors. Do they need replacing, what is the most effective replacement for you, and would you want to monitor them through a smartphone app?

Additionally, do you have a home alarm system in place, and does it need to be upgraded? Replacing an old alarm with a smart alarm system, you will have full control over the arming of the alarm, where the sensors are positioned in the property and set up other functionalities to make the smart alarm bespoke to you.

A perfect addition for a home security upgrade this spring, a smart alarm is an essential part of upgrading your home security.

With different gadget and tricks available to secure your home, what will you be adding to your home security checklist this spring?

For more help and support on how to improve your home security, whatever the season, be sure to explore our website here.