Countless people live in apartments, and there are many advantages to doing so. Apartments tend to be cheaper, both to buy and to rent than houses and other types of homes, and they also offer a communal style of living that many people enjoy, as you can get to know neighbors and other people around the building.
However, there are some safety risks to take into account when you live in an apartment, and it’s vital to take action and ensure that your space is as safe and secure as possible, as many thieves and criminals will target apartment buildings and watch for units that might be empty or less well-secured than the others.
Change the Locks
When you first move into a new apartment, one of the top tips from experts like police officers is to get the locks changed as soon as possible. This can be especially important when renting, as you never know who might have lived in that home before you and whether or not they might have gotten copies of their keys and given copies to other people.
It can be quite a frightening thought to imagine strangers out there with a key to your home, but getting your locks changed can make all the difference. If you’re renting, you can ask the landlord to change the locks for you. They might ask you to cover some or all of the costs of this process, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and home security you can experience.
Consider a Home Security System
Another good tip for home security in apartments, and other types of homes too, is to consider installing a home security system with some surveillance cameras. Many people make the mistake of assuming that these kinds of systems are only really used by owners of houses and large homes, but the truth is that they can be very valuable in apartment settings too.
Often, criminals will scope out apartment buildings before targeting individual units. They might peek through windows or scan around doors for signs of weakness, and they’ll be much less likely to target any home with a security system in place. These systems aren’t just good deterrents; they can be invaluable for catching any thieves who do try and break in too.
Make the Most of Smart Technology
In this day and age, the concept of the “smart home” has never been more relevant, and countless people are investing in smart technology of all kinds to upgrade their homes in all manner of ways. You can find smart security cameras, for example, that let you see exactly what’s going on from miles away, as well as smart doorbells too with video screens that show you who is on the other side of the door.
These kinds of technology can be really important for apartment owners in terms of strengthening their home’s security, especially if you tend to spend a lot of time away from the property at work, for example. A smart doorbell or smart lock could allow you to track visitors to your apartment when you’re not around and have greater control over who is allowed inside.
Use Blinds and Curtains
When trying to scope out apartment buildings and identify possible apartments they’d like to target, thieves will usually spend a lot of time peering in through the windows. This allows them to see inside your home and spot any valuables they might be able to steal, and if they spot some high-price items, they could target your unit as a priority.
It’s therefore wise to make sure you have either blinds or curtains of some kind on your windows and make use of them, both when you’re home and when you leave. Blinds can help to mask any valuables you have and protect your privacy. In addition, if you have a balcony, try not to use it for the storage of valuable items like bikes, as thieves can easily spot these valuables and target them.
Final Word
These are just some of the ways you can upgrade your apartment’s security today and feel safer in your own home. There are many other options you can consider too, and the key to home security is to always be overly cautious, taking the time to double-check your locks, secure your windows, and take the extra steps needed to protect your possessions. Every little effort you make could be the difference that keeps you safe.
