Budget Friendly Home Security Tips

So yesterday we’re sitting at dinner, when both dogs run to the door barking and growling like the world is coming to an end, a couple of seconds later we see a tiny little toddler head poke through the door. WHAT? We don’t own a toddler? Where did that come from? My husband jumps up and runs to the door, pulling the dogs back and poking his head out the door. Apparently the neighbors let their little boy loose and he went home to the wrong door!

I was glad that our intruder was just a baby, but even gladder that my dogs were on top of it. That brings me to my budget friendly home security tips. There are several things you can do to upgrade the security and safety of your home while still keeping within the family budget.

Own a Dog

One of my favorite tips that we subscribe to is dog ownership. Your home security dog doesn’t need to be a highly trained protection dog. My home security dogs are two faithful lap dogs who would throw themselves in front of anything to “protect” me. Their actual size may not scare anyone away but their barking alerts me whenever a stranger comes near the house. They hear even the faintest sounds!

Outdoor Lighting

If you have family members that come and go from the house after dark, it’s essential for safety to have good outdoor lighting. Install a motion sensitive front porch light. It’s worth the initial expense for your families’ security. It’s also good to install solar lights up your walkway or driveway to your porch. Solar lights are very budget friendly because they use no electricity. They’ll charge all day in the sun then light up at night when you need them.

Alarm Systems

The safety of your family should be an utmost priority, so consider checking into wireless burglar alarms or other home security systems. Many are very affordable and after the initial investment, you’ll be able to save money on renewing your home owners or renters insurance.

In addition to these tips, you should also talk to your children and family members about a family safety plan. Children walking to school should always go in groups, talk to teenagers about safety when dating or going out alone and try to remain together as a family on outings in unsafe areas of town.