Many people dream of moving to a rural area. The pace of life there is slower, and the crime rate is lower than in a city. Some also want to do it for privacy reasons – no neighbors and just acres of empty land seem to give them desired peace and quiet. However, one of the biggest downsides of living in a rural home is its security.
Since there are no neighbors and police stations nearby, burglary attempts might happen quite frequently. It doesn’t matter if you have many outbuildings, expensive machinery, or own a nice-looking house. Burglars don’t discriminate, and they’ll break in if they find a weak link in your security system. Take matters into your own hands and ensure the safety of your rural home with these six useful tips.
Secure Your Garage
Your garage is one of the weakest links in your home security system. Cheap doors are easy to break through, and intruders can also find their way in through the windows, or even try to get through a thin wall. Do you think your garage’s design and structure are a bit outdated, and its door has seen better times? Services like garage door repair in Boise, Detroit, Denver, and other rural areas are extremely significant for your property’s safety!
Hire experienced experts to do all the essential repairs for you and ask them for professional advice regarding your rural home security. Some of their tips will most likely include securing (or getting rid of) your garage windows, getting a sturdy, insulated garage door, and investing in a smart garage door opener.
Put Up Signs
It’s possible that some people trespass by accident. They may think that your property is vacant and nobody lives on said grounds, or your land might be next to a popular trail, a hunting ground, or any other place available to the public. Whatever the case, putting up signs is a good idea, especially for legal reasons.
A good rule of thumb is to display these signs around the perimeter of your property, in an easy-to-see location, on every gate, and by every driveway. The most popular writings include “No Trespassing” or “Private Property.” However, you can also put up CCTV warning signs and signs like “Beware of Dog,” even if you don’t have any. Intruders don’t know that, but it might act as a strong deterrent.
Invest in Motion-Activated Lights
Another great solution for your rural home is to install motion-activated spotlights. They’re useful for two reasons: first, they will light up your way when you come home at night, and second, they act as a deterrent for both human and animal trespassers.
Intruders want to approach your home in the stealthiest way possible. They lose this opportunity in an instant when a bright light suddenly illuminates the area upon detecting their movements. If you don’t have such lights already, consider making a purchase and placing them strategically: along the walls and walkways, around doors, and equipment you store outdoors.
Install Surveillance Cameras
Without a doubt, surveillance cameras are extremely useful in home security. They provide you with an around-the-clock view of your property and its surroundings, as well as access to previous recordings. Security companies such as ADT offer a variety of home security options for you to choose from. But, before you install a security system, make sure to do your research on providers first.
In this case, better quality often equals a higher price, but if you live in a dangerous area and want to feel safe, it’s a reasonable investment. The most advanced models can even link to your phone. This way, you can check up on your property any time you want, even if you’re miles away. Ultimately, surveillance cameras can effectively deter intruders when they just notice them, and for this reason, they’re one of the most popular solutions for many homeowners.
Get a Dog
If you think that visible signs and various security improvements are not enough, there’s yet another idea that can help you deter intruders. A dog is a great solution to boost the security of your home. Obviously, you can opt for a bigger breed, but intruders are more deterred by the fact that even a small dog can make a lot of noise when disturbed and without any reason at all.
In case you’re more interested in dog breeds, you can choose a watch dog, a guard dog, or both if you know you’ll be able to take care of them. Almost any dog is able to perform the first role, which means it will make a lot of noise when it detects something strange, drawing your attention.
A guard dog will do the same, but it will also confront the source of any disturbance. Guard dogs are dominant and confident, and they tend to be aggressive if not trained otherwise. Some breeds, like German Shepherds, Pitbulls, or Rottweilers, have a natural tendency to develop these characteristics, As such, you might want to choose a dog from one of these breeds for better home security.
Team up With Your Neighbors
You may live in a rural area, but if there are any properties near you, get in touch with their owners. Your neighbors can keep an eye on your home when you are not there and be on the lookout for any suspicious activities. In return, you can do the same when they are away, and it can be beneficial to all the parties involved.
Having their reassurance will give you peace of mind, and the area will soon be known for the comradery between the neighbors. Even if your community is small, you can still help each other and ensure the safety of your properties.
The Bottom Line
Living in a rural home has its perks, but proper security can pose quite a challenge. A remote location and no neighbors for miles may tempt intruders to find their way in, especially if they realize you take little to no precautions to secure your property. However, the tips mentioned above should give you an overview of important aspects of an effective security system.
If your rural area is known for its high crime rate, you should make the safety of your home your biggest priority. However, regardless of the location, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and you should invest in the best solutions possible no matter where you live. Even with a limited budget, you can still effectively deter intruders and add more security measures over time.
