Is Your Garage as Secure as It Could Be?

Close the garage door

Your garage door won’t keep anyone out if you don’t shut it. Although you might leave it open while the kids are playing riding their bicycles in the neighborhood or if you are in the process of cleaning it out, be sure to close it all the way when you are done, and definitely before leaving the house. If you have an automatic garage opener, make sure that nothing was in the way of the door shutting, causing the sensor to open the garage back up again after you went back in the house. Try to make it a habit to check that the garage is closed before you go to bed at night.

Make sure your service entry is secure

The side door on your garage should be locked up just as well as your front door. If it doesn’t currently have a kickplate and deadbolt, add them. Because this door is not front-and-center when a passerby is looking at your house, it can be a convenient place for an intruder to try to gain access to your home. While you’re at it, beef up the door leading from the garage into your house. If someone were to break into your garage, having a heavy door between him or her and your family will buy you some time.

Light up your outside area

Installing motion detectors is a good way to startle anyone who is walking around your property after dark. A light left on all night is less noticeable than one that turns on with motion, and motion detectors save electricity, too. Check the lightbulbs monthly, and be sure to trim back any bushes or trees that might block the light from illuminating your entire driveway and garage area.

Cover any windows in the garage