You have the dog, the door chain, and the peephole, but what else can you do to make your home more secure? You can never be too safe, and there are a slew of innovative devices and strategies you might not have thought of yet.
Technology continues to strive to make people’s lives easier, with random yet useful inventions ranging from trash bins that empty themselves to drones delivering pizza. Security hasn’t been left behind in its innovation either, with some of these solutions so intriguing you won’t believe they exist. Yet, sometimes, enhancing your security isn’t about acquiring the latest high-tech device but smart strategies you may not have considered.
Here is a blend of innovative home security solutions that will give you peace of mind. We sourced all of our innovative options from reputable security and home sites to give you new ideas to consider and incorporate in your own home safety design.
1. Face-Recognizing Door Locks
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Picture unlocking your door with just a smile. Face-recognizing door locks use advanced algorithms to identify familiar faces so that only trusted individuals gain access.
These locks are both high-tech and convenient. No more fumbling for keys in the dark in a handbag full of all your life’s possessions. Although they might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, they are surprisingly easy to install and use.
2. Outlet-Powered Spy Cameras
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That outlet in your living room that’s almost always empty can be put to very good use. Outlet-powered spy cameras are the ultimate in stealth security. These cleverly disguised cameras look like standard power outlets, making them perfect for monitoring without drawing attention.
These cameras blend seamlessly into your home’s decor.
3. Planting Thorny Plants Beneath Windows
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You don’t have to be a horticulturist to use plants for security. Thorny, prickly plants like cacti or roses are excellent deterrents for intruders trying to enter through windows. These plants add an aesthetic appeal to your home and act as natural barriers and deterrents—no one wants to fight with cacti to access your house.
Place them strategically and out of reach from curious children or pets. Be sure to trim your hedges and flower bushes often to prevent them from becoming hiding spots for burglars.
4. Night Vision Baby Monitors
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Who says baby monitors are only for babies? Night vision baby monitors offer a crystal-clear view of your home, even in pitch black. They’re perfect for watching over your little ones or confirming your house’s security while you sleep.
These devices often have two-way audio, which allows you to soothe a fussing child or ward off an intruder with your voice alone.
5. Securing Pet Doors
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Pet door flaps can offer burglars an easy way to access your home. If the pet door is big enough, some may sneak in a smaller person to open the door for them or use it to access your house keys.
Secure or close pet flaps to prevent unwanted visitors, whether two-legged or four-legged. Use a microchip on your pet that helps open the flap door. If you no longer have a pet, you can remove the door and install one without a pet flap.
6. Use Cameras on Your Ceiling Fan
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Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling down a room; they can also help keep an eye on things. Some models come equipped with integrated security cameras or motion sensors, providing additional protection while blending seamlessly into your home’s aesthetics.
You can also install cameras on your existing fan. They can alert you to suspicious movements and even sync with other smart home systems to automate responses, like turning on lights or locking doors.
7. Remote-controlling Your Garage
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Being able to open or close your garage from anywhere adds a fun twist to security. Did you rush out and leave the garage door open? No worries—just whip out your smartphone and save the day from the comfort of your office desk.
A smart garage can even send reminders or alerts if the garage door is left open or tampered with. Arriving home could also automatically trigger the door to open and the lights to turn on.
8. Installing a Virtual Peephole
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Squinting through tiny peepholes is OK, but have you considered virtual peepholes? They bring the outside world to your devices and capture a wide-angle view of whoever’s at your door without having to tiptoe to the door.
They offer peace of mind and discretion, allowing you to check visitors without them knowing you’re home. This modern twist on traditional security has recently gained popularity.
9. Camouflaged Security Cameras
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Cameras on your front porch are pretty obvious; you may want to try keeping tabs on your property without making it noticeable. Designed to look like everyday objects such as garden gnomes, books, or light fixtures, camouflaged cameras blend seamlessly into their surroundings while capturing high-quality footage.
These cameras offer all the standard features you’d expect, including night vision and motion detection, but with the added benefit of discretion.
10. Customized Knocking Locks
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Patterned knocking isn’t only for the guy in the movie who’s in protective custody. You can use the sesame locks that recognize unique knock patterns to grant access. It’s an added security feature that only lets in the allowed people.
Some locks open with a knock on your phone. How fun will it be for you and the kids to practice and perfect the knock? Just warn the kids not to share the knock with anyone.
11. Lock Your Fence Gate
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We focus a lot on securing the front door, leaving other potential ways of entry potentially vulnerable. To prevent intruders from snooping around in your backyard looking for an open window or back door, add a lock to your fence gate. Don’t have a fence? Consider adding one for an extra layer of security (and privacy).
With that being said, always make sure all windows and doors are locked and secured in the back where we often get complacent.
12. Hide Your Digital Valuables
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Home security breaches are not limited to physical intrusions, they can occur digitally, too. From baby monitors to car keys, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to home security systems, cameras, and personal information.
To safeguard against these digital threats, implement strong cybersecurity practices. Change your passwords for all smart devices to complex, unique ones with letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, use two-factor authentication where you can.