How to Safeguard a Home Without an Alarm

Co-authored by Adrian Tandez

Last Updated: August 18, 2021 References

It's important to feel safe and comfortable in your own home. It may seem expensive or difficult to install an alarm system, so luckily there are many alternatives that still give you the same protection. By protecting yourself and securing your home, you can prevent burglary and rest assured that you and your family are safe.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Locking Doors and Windows

1
Install a deadbolt or padlock on your door. All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks, as regular locks are much easier to break. If you just moved into a new home, ask the landlord if the locks have been changed since the previous owner moved out.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you have a fenced backyard, you can also buy a padlock for the gate.
2
Hide your spare key well. Don't hide it above the door-frame or under the doormat, as this is very common and burglars might suspect it. You can instead buy magnetized lock boxes that go underneath your car, or key boxes that look like sprinkler heads. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Give your spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend if possible. If you are going to be gone for a while, have them check in on your home every couple days or so.
Advertisement
3
Jam long rods between your doorknob and the floor below. This prevents intruders from being able to open the door from the outside. These can be purchased, or you can make them yourself.
- If you have sliding-glass doors, or windows that slide open, insert broom handles or long pieces of wood along the track at the base of each door and window. This will make them impossible to open. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Don’t do this on the door that you use to enter your home. You don't want to lock yourself out.
4
Reinforce your windows. Always lock your windows when you are not home, especially ground level windows. If your windows do not already have locks, you can purchase latches online or at a home improvement store.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can also install safety glass, which makes the window harder to break.
- Metal bars are also an option for preventing someone from entering through your window, though these may be more expensive or difficult to install.
5
Put tape on your doors and windows. This will alert you if someone is opening your doors and windows. If someone has broken into your home successfully before, there's a possibility that they'll attempt to do so again.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This is a good option if you suspect that someone has entered your home; however, it is not a substitute for high quality locks and secure windows.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Deterring Burglars from Your Home

1
Turn a light on when you leave. This gives a potential intruder the impression that somebody is home. A burglar is less likely to enter a home if they think that there's a chance of being caught, arrested, or hurt in the process.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- If you are gone for several days and don't want to leave lights on for the entire time, you can put a lamp or light on a timer. You will probably have to buy a programmable switch to replace your regular light switch.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
2
Get a guard dog. Dogs are great pets, but they can also be great security systems. Even if the dog won't attack someone, its barking can alert you to an intruder.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You might have to invest in extensive dog training if you want a dog that is threatening to intruders but not to you and your family.
- You can also put a “Beware of Dog” sign on your fence or in a front window regardless of whether or not you have a guard dog. Even if intruders suspect that you don't have a dog, they probably won't want to risk it.
3
Store valuable items in your house or garage. This includes bikes, grills, or anything else that could tempt someone to enter your home. Don't leave out ladders or any tools that an intruder might find useful.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- If taking these items inside is not an option, lock them to a fence or other structure.
4
Plan ahead for going on vacation. Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper while you are away, or you can even pause your mail completely. If a burglar sees a pile of newspapers on your driveway, they will suspect that you are out of town.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Don't announce vacation plans on social media. This lets a potential intruder know exactly when you will be away from your home.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Defending against Intruders

1
Call the police if you suspect an intruder. If you see a burglar or think someone is breaking into your home, leave your house if you can do so safely. Otherwise, grab your phone and hide. Call the authorities as soon as you can, and avoid the intruder.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Designate a safe room in your house. It is best to have a plan in advance, rather than coming up with something on the fly.
2
Install motion-detecting lighting. This will alert you if someone is outside your house. Motion detectors are fairly cheap and easy to install, and you can adjust their distance range and how long the lights stay on after activation. ^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that animals, cars driving by, and heavy winds can potentially activate motion lights. Also, depending on where you are in your house, you may not even see the lights turn on.
3
Purchase items that can be used as weapons. While you should avoid confrontation with an intruder if at all possible, you may be in a situation where you have to defend yourself. Baseball bats and golf clubs work well, as well as anything sharp. Make sure to keep any dangerous objects away from children.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- In case of emergency, any household item can be used as a weapon. You might have easy access to a broom, lamp, or telephone.
4
Own a firearm if you feel comfortable doing so. Keep in mind that guns are very dangerous and you need to know what you are doing. If you purchase a gun, you should take a class or have someone teach you to shoot it properly. Learn about the self defense and gun laws in your area, as it may be illegal for you to shoot an intruder unless they are threatening you.
- Laws regarding possession of firearms vary in different cities and states. You might be required to have a background check and take a gun safety class.
- Store the gun in a secure and safe location. Always keep the safety switch on unless you need to use it.
5
Keep pepper spray or mace in your house. Pepper spray is an effective defense weapon because it doesn't require physical strength or skill. It is cheap and available at many stores and online. It quickly disables burglars and gives you time to call the police.
- Keep it well out of reach of young children.
- If a burglar is in your home and you don't own pepper spray or don't have access to it, perfume or an acidic juice can be used as mace.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can you stay safe in a dangerous neighborhood?

Adrian Tandez
Self Defense Trainer
Adrian Tandez is the founder and head instructor of the Tandez Academy, a world-renowned self-defense training center in Mountain View, California. Trained under the renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto, Adrian is a certified instructor in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Silat, among other things. Adrian has over 27 years of self defense training experience.

Adrian Tandez

Self Defense Trainer

Expert Answer

To keep your home as secure as possible, always lock your doors before you go to sleep. If you feel like you're in a dangerous neighborhood, you need as much security as you can. The best thing is to install a security system, but even a security camera can work for you.
Question

How can I protect my house at night?

Adrian Tandez
Self Defense Trainer
Adrian Tandez is the founder and head instructor of the Tandez Academy, a world-renowned self-defense training center in Mountain View, California. Trained under the renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto, Adrian is a certified instructor in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Silat, among other things. Adrian has over 27 years of self defense training experience.

Adrian Tandez

Self Defense Trainer

Expert Answer

Make sure that you lock your doors and check your windows. Make sure that you know who your neighbors are. Make sure that lights are functioning around your house, so that you can see if anybody comes in. Make sure you have some sort of a handheld weapon accessible, just in case you need it, like a baseball bat. Make sure your phone is working in case you have to call 911. And just relax. If you know how to handle things, you don't need to be afraid. Being cautious is very important, but being paranoid isn't going to help.

Warnings

Consider all children and pets that may explore your home before leaving any type of weapon openly accessible.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 5