Leaving These 13 Things by the Front Door Could Keep You Safe

Glenda Taylor  Tue, January 16, 2024  Bob Vila

The front door area of your home should be welcoming, but only to welcomed visitors. As the most visible entry to a home, this zone can be vulnerable to break-ins. Doing all you can to deter criminals and secure the front door can keep loved ones and property safer. In addition to stopping unwanted visitors, a front entry can help first responders find you if an emergency arises. Learning how to protect yourself and your property doesn’t have to be difficult (or cost-prohibitive), so the following items range from simple DIY steps to long-term solutions.

1. Privacy Film

Entry doors with clear glass inserts or sidelights are beautiful when the sun sparkles through, but they also give unwanted visitors a clear view inside. Obscuring a would-be burglar’s view doesn’t have to involve heavy drapery, though. Installing frosted privacy film, like this privacy window film from Gila, on the inside of the glass can add a decorative element to a window while allowing light to penetrate into the entryway and protecting the contents of your home from curious eyes.

2. Old Boots  A pair of black muddy boots by a glass front door.

This trick is simple, but highly effective: Keep a spare pair of shoes or boots (the bigger, the better) in your entry closet and set them just outside your front door when you leave. The boots make it look as though someone in the house just left their boots on the doorstep. You can pick up a slightly worn looking pair (an essential part of the illusion) at a thrift store for just a few bucks. Bring the boots indoors when you return.

3. Security Sign

Whether you pay an alarm security company to monitor your home or not, burglars have no way of knowing. Realistic security yard signs such as the SmartSign security alert yard sign will give would-be thieves reason to think again before breaking into your home. Put the sign in the yard by the front steps so it won’t be missed, and put the security stickers that come with it in windows around your home.

4. Visible House Numbers

In case of a break-in or a medical emergency, first responders need to be able to locate your home as quickly as possible. Small house numbers are difficult to see and can make it tough for emergency workers to find an address. To be seen easily from the street, house numbers, like these from QT House Numbers, should be at least 6 inches high. For the best visibility, install the numbers on a surface in a contrasting color.

5. Fake Video Camera

A video surveillance system is an asset to any home security plan, but installing one can cost $1,000 or more. If that’s out of your budget, don’t worry. Many of today’s dummy cameras such as F. Finders & Co.’s fake CCTV camera are virtually impossible to distinguish from the real thing. For authenticity’s sake, make sure the camera you choose has a wire and a blinking red light that flashes at night.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/leaving-13-things-front-door-164140700.html