Understanding Your Primary Security Concerns at Home

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, one of the most important steps is identifying your primary security concerns. Whether you're worried about break-ins, vandalism, package theft, personal safety, or a home invasion, knowing where your vulnerabilities lie helps create a tailored security plan that addresses your specific needs. Let’s break down these common home security threats and explore how you can protect yourself from each.

1. Break-Ins

One of the most common home security concerns is the risk of home break-ins. Burglars often target homes with weak security measures, such as unlocked doors or windows, or homes without visible deterrents like cameras or alarms.

Preventing Break-Ins:

  • Install Deadbolt Locks: Secure all entry doors with high-quality deadbolts to make forced entry more difficult.
  • Use Security Cameras: Install security cameras around entry points to monitor activity and deter intruders.
  • Motion-Activated Lights: Well-lit homes are less likely to be targeted, so install motion-activated lights around your property to scare off potential intruders.

Burglary Prevention Tips:

  • Always lock doors and windows, even when you're home.
  • Install a visible security system or at least place security stickers and signs around your property.
  • Consider reinforcing entry doors with strike plates to prevent door kicking.

If home break-ins are your primary concern, be sure to include this in your Fortify Form. This will help your Fortify Plan recommend the most effective burglary prevention measures.

2. Vandalism

Vandalism can cause significant damage to your property, from graffiti to broken windows or outdoor fixtures. While this might not involve entering your home, it can still lead to costly repairs and diminish your sense of security.

Protecting Against Vandalism:

  • Install Outdoor Cameras: Having visible surveillance equipment like cameras can act as a deterrent to vandals. Ensure cameras cover vulnerable areas such as the front yard, garage, or driveway.
  • Fence and Gates: If possible, secure your property with a fence or gate to make access harder for would-be vandals.
  • Security Lighting: Well-lit areas around your home discourage vandalism, as perpetrators prefer to work under the cover of darkness.

Vandalism Protection Tips:

  • Keep the exterior of your home well-lit, especially in areas where vandals are likely to strike.
  • Ensure there are no hidden or secluded areas around your property where vandals can act unnoticed.
  • Regularly inspect the outside of your home for any signs of tampering or minor vandalism so you can address it before it escalates.

If vandalism is a concern for your home, make sure to document this in your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can recommend ways to better protect your property.

3. Package Theft

With the rise of online shopping, package theft has become a significant issue for many homeowners. Thieves often target homes with packages left unattended on doorsteps or in mailboxes.

Preventing Package Theft:

  • Install a Video Doorbell: A video doorbell allows you to monitor deliveries in real-time and deter thieves from taking packages left on your doorstep.
  • Designate a Safe Delivery Area: If possible, arrange for packages to be delivered to a side door, garage, or a secured delivery box.
  • Use Delivery Alerts: Set up notifications with your delivery provider so you know when a package is arriving and can retrieve it promptly.

Package Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Require a signature upon delivery or instruct delivery drivers to leave packages in a concealed area.
  • Set up parcel lockers or use delivery services that offer secure, alternative delivery options.
  • Coordinate with a neighbor to retrieve your packages if you won't be home.

If package theft is a security issue in your neighborhood, include this concern in your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can offer solutions to reduce your risk.

4. Personal Safety

Your personal safety at home is one of the most important considerations when evaluating your security measures. Ensuring that you, your family, and your visitors feel safe within your home is crucial.

Improving Personal Safety at Home:

  • Install Smart Locks: Upgrade to smart locks that allow you to control access to your home remotely, ensuring only authorized people can enter.
  • Use Security Alarms: Ensure your home security system includes alarms that will notify you of any suspicious activity around your home.
  • Panic Button or Emergency Devices: Having a panic button in your bedroom or near key entry points can help in the event of an emergency.

Personal Security Tips:

  • Keep a charged phone near your bed in case of emergencies during the night.
  • Consider installing security cameras inside your home in common areas for additional peace of mind.
  • Set up a neighborhood watch program to stay informed of any suspicious activity in your area.

If personal safety is your top priority, be sure to include this in your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can recommend effective ways to enhance security and peace of mind within your home.

5. Home Invasion

A home invasion is a particularly frightening scenario, as it involves intruders entering your home while you're present. This is a serious home security concern and requires a robust security plan to mitigate the risk.

Protecting Against Home Invasion:

  • Reinforce Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows are equipped with strong locks, deadbolts, and reinforced frames to prevent forced entry.
  • Install a Security System: A monitored home security system can alert authorities in case of a break-in while you're at home.
  • Use Surveillance Cameras: Having security cameras both inside and outside your home can help detect suspicious activity before it escalates into a home invasion.

Home Invasion Safety Tips:

  • Keep doors and windows locked at all times, even when you're home.
  • Install peepholes or smart doorbells so you can see who is at the door before opening it.
  • Have an emergency plan in place in case of a home invasion, including safe rooms or escape routes.

If you're worried about a home invasion, make sure to indicate this in your Fortify Form. Your Fortify Plan will focus on home invasion safety and recommend strategies to safeguard you and your family.