Guide
Best Home Security Systems Guide 2024
If you’re in the market for home security, we’ve made it easy for you to learn about the best security systems available.
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*Requires 36-month monitoring contract. Early termination and installation fees apply. New customers only. Full Terms.
Basement windows are often an afterthought when it comes to home security, but they can actually be one of the weakest points in your home’s defense. Burglars know basement windows are often left unlocked or unsecured, making them an easy target. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to fortify your basement windows and deter would-be intruders.
Follow these six simple steps to secure basement windows. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your home and family safe and secure.
Ensuring your basement windows are locked is essential, even when you’re home. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 40% of intruders unlawfully enter unoccupied residences via an unlocked window or door. So if you want to know how to secure basement windows, one simple but effective measure is to lock all basement windows at all times. Basements are often the weakest point in a home’s security, but you can make it more difficult for criminals to break in by keeping the windows locked.
Installing window bars into your basement windows will reinforce the glass and make it difficult for thieves to enter your home, giving you an extra layer of protection. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your home more secure without making it look like a fortress. For example, wrought iron bars can add a touch of elegance to a traditional home, while metal grates can give a modern home a sleek and contemporary look.
While you might think that having overgrown grass in front of your basement windows would deter criminals, it actually gives them a way to hide while entering your home via your basement. Instead, keep your basement windows visible so you can see potential threats more clearly.
Understanding how to secure basement windows includes knowing measures to deter criminals. Adding light fixtures around your basement windows is one way to do that. Motion detector lights are a great option because they only turn on when someone is walking around your yard. The last thing burglars want is for someone to see them, so adding lights around your basement windows is a great way to secure that vulnerable part of your home
If a criminal looks through your basement window and sees something they want, they’re more likely to break in. Make sure there isn’t anything of value in the view from your basement windows, or invest in curtains or blinds so people cannot see inside.
Adding a home security system to your house will help deter potential criminals and give you peace of mind while you’re home and away. Not only does the presence of a security system help prevent crime, but you can also place outdoor security cameras and motion sensors around your basement windows to secure them even more.
Understanding how to secure basement windows is the first step in protecting your property, possessions, and family. Purchasing a home security system is the most significant way to deter criminals and keep intruders out of your home. With a security system, you can place cameras, motion sensors, and lights outside your basement windows and control them from anywhere using a mobile app. Ready to invest in a security system to secure all entry points to your home? Find the best security system for your needs by comparing features and pricing today using our security system comparison tool.
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Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.