Whether you’re replacing locks on a new home or looking to add more security to your current home, the aisle (or search results page) can be overwhelming with all the options. Check out our deadbolt lock breakdown below to help you understand the different functions and choose the right secure door hardware for your home.

Single cylinder

This is the most common type of deadbolt used. Single cylinder deadbolts have an exterior keyhole that throws or retracts the deadbolt using a key on the outside. On the inside, you can lock and unlock the deadbolt with the thumbturn.

 

SHOP SINGLE CYLINDER LOCKS

Double cylinder

Double cylinder deadbolts are used when you want a little extra security. They are often chosen for improving security on doors with windows because they make it harder for potential intruders to reach through the glass and unlock the door. A double cylinder deadbolt features a keyhole on both the interior and exterior side of the door so the only way you can lock/unlock is with a mechanical key. However, this type of lock should be used with caution as it can make it more difficult to get out of the house quickly in the event of an emergency.

 

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Electronic locks

Electronic deadbolts often leverage the same security and durability of mechanical single cylinder deadbolts with the added convenience of a keypad or touchscreen. By allowing you to program a unique access code, electronic locks provide peace of mind so you never have to worry about losing a key again. These deadbolts, sometimes called non-connected locks, are controlled at the door and are not connected to your WiFi or other smart home technology.

 

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Smart locks

Like electronic locks, smart deadbolt locks are just as durable as a mechanical single cylinder deadbolt. You can connect your smart lock to your home network, either directly to WiFi or with a compatible smart home hub, depending on the lock you choose. You can then use your smartphone for easy programming and access from anywhere.

 

Smart locks also provide the option to integrate parts of your home security with other smart home products to create routines and schedules that fit your lifestyle. Did you leave the house and wonder if you forgot to lock the door? No problem. As long as you’re connected to your WiFi or smart hub, you can access your lock remotely to check its status and command it to lock or unlock. Want to tell Alexa to lock the door, even when you’re too comfy to get out of bed? You can do that, too.

 

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No matter which type of deadbolt lock you choose, look for signs that you can trust your door hardware to help protect your home. Check that the deadbolt has the BHMA’s Best, or AAA, ratings in security, durability and finish. Look for a lifetime warranty so you know the company you’re buying from stands behind its products. And listen to what others have to say. Schlage is trusted in over 40 million homes and has over 10,000 five-star reviews. We’re proud to have earned the trust of so many homeowners and are committed to strengthening that trust into our next century of business.

 

Securing your front door is an important step toward improving the overall safety of your home. Remember to be just as diligent when purchasing locks for the other doors on your home, including back doors and garage entries. Visit our Safety Center for more tips and recommendations.

 

With the weather warming up and everyone itching to get out of the house (more than ever this year), we’re bringing back some classic travel safety tips to see if they still hold up in the present day.

How to keep your home safe while on vacation: 1953 vs. Today

Clearly, Schlage has been obsessed with safety since Day One. We wouldn’t still be here more than 100 years later if it weren’t for our passion of keeping homes and businesses safe. For more modern steps to help keep your home safe on vacation, visit the Schlage blog.

When you have someone gracious enough to house sit or pet sit while you’re away, you want them to be comfortable. Part of that is giving them access to the technology in your home and making sure they know how to use it. But how do you make them feel welcome without compromising digital security? Since March 2-9 is National Pet Sitters’ Week, we’re sharing seven ways to safely give guests smart home access.

1. Be careful who you trust

If you’re entrusting your furry friend (or plant pal) to a house sitter, you probably aren’t too worried they’ll run off with your TV. That being said, only share credentials for your WiFi, smart lock and other smart home devices with those you trust wholeheartedly.

 

Be judicial with what you give guests credentials for, too. If you don’t want them to be able to change the smart thermostat, you don’t have to give them those permissions.

2. Set an access schedule

When you do give your house sitter access to devices, check to see if you can schedule that access. For example, Schlage smart locks let you decide when the unique code you’ve created for your guest will work. If they’re staying from Friday to Tuesday, you can set the code to expire automatically on Wednesday.

 

Not all devices will have this convenient scheduling functionality. If this is the case, we recommend setting a reminder for yourself to manually discontinue your guests’ access as soon as possible upon your return.

3. Create a guest network

You can also restrict access to your primary WiFi network but set up a guest network for visitors. This is a good way to protect your smart devices. Your house sitter will still have access to the internet but not the network that controls all of your devices. Think of it as your guest and your devices driving on two parallel roads that don’t intersect. Your pet sitter can still watch Netflix and post on TikTok, but they’ll have a harder time modifying settings of your smart home devices.

4. Share passwords with QR codes

Whether you grant main or guest WiFi access to your sitter, you can password protect your network. Instead of exchanging passwords they might forget, create an easy-to-scan QR code. Leave the QR code somewhere convenient like the refrigerator door.

 

You can use a site like QiFi to create your QR code. Some phones can also generate one automatically when you select the “Share” option in the Settings menu.

5. Add smart switches

You think you have all your automations set up perfectly, then that light you scheduled doesn’t turn on. One reason could be that it’s turned off at the switch. To avoid this, and to keep your automations working correctly when someone unfamiliar with your home is visiting, choose smart switches and buttons at the wall. These will ensure that your devices will work as you scheduled them, even if they’re in the “off” position.

 

This is also a handy tip for family members who live with you. Little ones who can never give the right voice command or someone who’s just in the lifelong habit of flipping a switch won’t interrupt your automation if you choose the right physical smart switches.

6. Leave a helpful list

Leave a list of common voice commands and instructions. Even if your pet sitter is tech savvy, they might not be familiar with the names you’ve given your devices. No matter how many times they yell at Alexa to “Turn on light!” it just won’t work if you called it “living room lamp.” It’s frustrating and opens the door for them to take matters into their own hands, disrupting your automations and possibly breaking something. You don’t have to include every single device name and how-to on your cheat sheet, but make it comprehensive enough to cover anything they might use.

7. Pause your personal automations

Pause or turn off any schedules and automations that might disturb your sitter. This could include the “Wake Up” routine that automatically turns on lights and the coffee maker. Your sitter might appreciate a nice brew waiting for them … or they might be mad that everything woke them up before they were ready.

Smart home technology can add greater convenience and security to our lives, and our guests’, every day. For more tips on getting the most out of your smart devices, check out our Technology and Home Security sections of the Schlage blog.

 

When it comes to exterior door hardware, quality matters for both security and style. You need to choose a lock you can trust to keep your belongings and loved ones safe. A great bonus is if it happens to enhance your curb appeal, too. Here's what you need to know to choose the right deadbolts and locks for each door of your home.

Door hardware grades

The first step to finding the most secure exterior door hardware for your home is to look for hardware that has been tested against the highest industry standards, like the BHMA grading system. BHMA is a group of industry experts that grades residential door hardware performance in the categories of Security, Durability and Finish. A grade of ‘C’ is good, ‘B’ is better, and ‘A’ is best. A grade of AAA means the door hardware has earned the best possible rating in all three categories.

1-inch bolt with spinning pin

Schlage locks come with a solid zinc 1-inch bolt. This is larger than many bolts on the market, and it does make a difference in security. It helps to protect against attacks by kicking, sledgehammer and similar impacts.

 

Schlage bolts also include a hardened steel pin inside that spins in response to sawing attacks, so it can’t be cut through. Plus, a half inch of the bolt remains in the housing when locked for even more kick-in resistance.

Longer screws

Schlage offers a strike reinforcement plate with 3-inch screws. These add even more impact resistance. Be advised, though. If you have a sidelight (a window that runs parallel to your door on the side that latches), the 3-inch screws may be too long to use. This is one of many reasons that sidelights are a security liability and should be avoided.

Sleek profile

A low-profile face on a deadbolt makes it more difficult to grab with a wrench or pull off.

The features above apply to both mechanical and electronic locks. Other features, like the ones below, are specific to Schlage electronic and smart locks, giving these innovative deadbolts higher levels of strength and security.

Anti-pick shield

Schlage smart locks like the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt come with an integrated anti-pick shield to provide added security. The shield doesn’t affect the look of the lock, but it does strengthen it against lock pick attacks.

Completely keyless

Some locks, like the Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt, don’t come with a key cylinder. That means there’s nothing to pick and no way to use a fake ‘bump’ key to bypass it.

 

Many homeowners feel comfortable having a backup key option, but the truth is that once you adopt an electronic lock, it is unlikely you’ll need a key again. Most electronic lock users stop using keys completely, given how easy it is to share access electronically or with an access code. With a low battery indicator across our electronic locks, you don’t have to worry about getting locked out and needing that key.

 

Even if you don’t go completely keyless, electronic locks make it possible to eliminate the need for spare keys that can easily fall into the wrong hands. Just use access codes that can be easily created and deleted as needed. Plus, with no spare keys floating around, there’s no need to ever rekey the lock.

Encryption

Our smart locks feature the same type of encryption used in online purchases. In other words, if you’re comfortable ordering from Amazon, you can trust that the connection between your Schlage smart lock and your smartphone is just as secure. Schlage is committed to offering electronic options that add convenience without sacrificing security, and that’s why we always design our products with data privacy and encryption needs top of mind.

Remote access

Lastly, when choosing between smart locks, consider features that create a sense of trust that everything is working like it should. For example, with the Schlage Encode deadbolt and Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, you can use the Schlage Home app to check the status of your lock remotely. Did you remember to lock the door before you left the house? Just confirm from your smartphone without running back home. And if you did forget, you can lock the door from your phone. You can also set up notifications so you know when access codes are used. That means you can track who’s been to the house and when, even while you’re away.

When choosing products that are meant to protect our homes and families, it’s important to look for the best. Keep an eye out for these features the next time you’re updating your door hardware. Learn more about Schlage’s commitment to quality at our Security Center.

 

Technology – that constantly evolving beast that is either loads of fun or a source of endless headaches. Which innovation do you pick? Which should you pass on? And with everyone claiming “smart home this” and “smart home that,” where do you begin? Let us remove some of the confusion. Here are five high-tech yet simple products that can improve your home security.

1. Smart lock

Smart locks are typically more secure than traditional mechanical deadbolts. When it comes to Schlage smart locks, you’ll find some of these leading security features.

 

• Most Schlage smart locks have a built-in alarm that can detect a disturbance at the door and alert you via your smartphone. You’ll find this option on the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus technology.
  
  
• Unique user codes for trusted individuals can be added and removed as necessary, letting you control who has access to your home and when.
  
  
• With no need for a key, you don’t have to worry about a spare ending up in the wrong hands.
  
  
• Check the status of your deadbolt from anywhere, and if the door is unlocked, simply lock it using a compatible smartphone app.
  
  
• Schlage smart locks feature the same data encryption technology used for online shopping to help protect your information.

 

And you can improve security even more when you pair it with a smart home hub that controls other devices like your lights or motion-sensor cameras.

2. Video doorbell

Knowing who is at your door before you get off the couch is convenient. Knowing who is there before you unlock the door while you’re at the office is a necessity. Get that enhanced smart home security we just mentioned by combining a Schlage Encode deadbolt with the Ring Video Doorbell. With these devices together, you have the ability to see who’s on the porch, decide if you want to give them access and unlock the door using your smartphone. It’s a great way to have both peace of mind and convenience in the palm of your hand.

3. Backup power supply

A storm blows through and you’ve lost power. You still need to keep your home and family secure. For some devices, you’ll need a backup power supply like a generator. For others, like Schlage smart locks, there’s no need to worry. All our electronic locks are battery operated, so they’ll continue to work even if the power is down.

 

Generators are starting to go smart, too. Consumer Reports explains how you can now use your smartphone to monitor usage on some models.

4. Glass break sensors

Intruders like to pick the easiest entry point, and that’s not always the front door. Sometimes it’s a window or maybe it’s a glass patio door. Install sensors that can alert you when glass is broken. Safety.com shows you what to look for with this perimeter security device and names its favorite options.

5. Voice control

Being safe in your home isn’t just about stopping intruders. What if you or a family member have fallen and can’t reach the phone to call for help? Just say the word and Alexa or Google Assistant can place a voice-activated call and unlock the door for your neighbor. Convenience at your fingertips is a time saver. Control with your voice could be a life saver.

 

To make your home as safe as possible, be thorough. A strong deadbolt is vital, but you’ll be better off when you combine that with a variety of security measures to cover all your bases. Start by using our Get Help Deciding Tool to find which Schlage smart lock is right for you. Then check out what technology works best with your favorite deadbolt to start building your safest home yet.

 

Rekeying your locks often requires a visit from a local locksmith, which could prove to be more costly than replacing the locks altogether. It pays to understand when you should rekey your locks or opt for an upgrade. Here are four times you may consider rekeying your exterior deadbolts and locks to maintain optimal convenience and security for your home.

1. You're ready to simplify home access

Most homes have two or more entry doors, and each of those doors features a deadbolt and handleset or knob/lever. Add on any keyed garage doors, and you've got a whole pile of keys to keep track of. Rekeying each of your locks to fit a single master key, whether you do it yourself or call a locksmith for help, can greatly simplify your life and end any fumbling around trying to find the right key.

 

When you're ready to simplify even more, consider going keyless altogether and choose a Schlage smart lock.

2. You're upgrading one or more handlesets

Did you take advantage of beautiful spring weather to give your front door a makeover? Are you interested in updating your exterior hardware to suit your personal style better? Or do you just need to make a functional upgrade? If all of your locks are set for the same key and you want to keep it that way, you'll need to rekey any new handlesets you purchase.

3. Your key has been lost or stolen

Have you ever misplaced a key to your home? Whether you're the sole key keeper or have several household members constantly coming and going, a lost or stolen key could mean that the wrong person may gain easy access to your home. Unless you want to use this as an opportunity to upgrade your hardware, now is the time to rekey your locks.

4. You moved to a new home

You may be surprised to hear that many homeowners do not change the locks as soon as they take possession of a new home. There's no telling who still has a key from before you moved in, so replacing or rekeying all locks should be first on your to-do list.

If you’re rekeying because you’ve moved, you can find more real estate resources to make your transition as simple as possible at Schlage.com.

 

As important as keys and deadbolts are, there’s much more to keeping your home safe and secure. Find more tips for protecting what matters at the Schlage blog.

 

We’re turning 100! Over 10 weeks, Schlage is sharing its favorite top-10 lists. That’s 100 tips, ideas and moments of inspiration so you can enjoy the safety, simplicity and style of Schlage for another 100 years to come.

 

Door hardware is often an afterthought. We constantly touch our door knobs and deadbolts, and yet we think about them so infrequently. If you haven’t paid much attention to your door hardware lately, here are 10 reasons to change your lock.

1. Dashing new door

If you got a new door or fixed the frame, this is a great time to get a new deadbolt. All of those elements – the door, jamb and lock – can combine for a secure entryway. If you want your new front (or back and side) door to be as secure as possible, you might want to change your lock.

2. Questionable durability

After your last home security audit , you questioned whether that old deadbolt was still up to snuff. If the latch bolt looks warped or if you’re at all uncertain about the deadbolt’s durability, you might want to change your lock.

3. It’s not a Schlage

We’re biased, but after 100 years in the business, we know what it takes to make a high-quality lock. Schlage rates among the industry’s best in durability and security, according to the BHMA. We’re also already trusted in over 40 million homes, and that includes our own. If you don’t own a Schlage and want to improve your home’s security, you might want to change your lock.

4. Home sweet new home

You moved and you’re not sure if the previous homeowners kept a spare key. Did they remember to collect the spare from the neighbor kid who watched their pets last summer vacation? If you don’t want random strangers having access to your home, you might want to change your lock.

5. Rebounding after a break-in

Some burglaries could have been prevented with a stronger deadbolt or if the thief hadn’t found your fake rock. If you seek greater peace of mind and want to reduce the chances of a second break-in, you might want to change your lock.

6. Key location: Unknown

We get it. Keys are small. They fall out of your pocket or get left behind at the coffee shop. If you or someone with a spare can’t find the key, or your hiding place for the spare has been compromised, you might want to change your lock.

7. Sold on smart security

Schlage smart locks offer the same great benefits as our mechanical ones – premium metal construction, limited lifetime mechanical warranties, stylish design – and more. Give trusted service providers like a baby sitter, dog walker, plumber or even the Amazon delivery person a code so they can take care of business while you’re away. And if you’re looking for remote access, the ability to pair your deadbolt with other devices such as a video doorbell or camera, or if you like the idea of ditching the keys altogether, you might want to change your lock … to a smart lock.

8. Embracing a new life

When your family grows or not-so-little-ones-anymore fly the coup, you need your home to change to fit your new lifestyle. Update your door hardware so that you have the right function like locking or non-locking so you have the right amount of privacy for that office that is now a nursery or a teenager’s bedroom that is now a meditation zone. If you need new hardware for your new life, and want something that changes as easily as you do, you might want to change your lock and make it Schlage Custom Combined Interior Door Hardware.

9. Desperately seeking style

You want to suite the style throughout the house a variety of door hardware designs and finishes so that you can create the perfect look for your home, from the front door to the back and everywhere in between. If you want your exterior front door handleset to match your interior door hardware, you might want to change your lock.

10. Elevating the entryway

A beautiful entryway, and that includes your front door décor, makes a great first impression on anyone who visits your home. Make sure your handleset and deadbolt make the kind of statement you want. To update your curb appeal, you might want to change your lock.

A new lock can do a surprising amount for your home, including help secure it, improve its style and simplify daily tasks. Find more ideas, hacks and information at our blog. And don’t forget to find us on Pinterest and Instagram for even more inspiration.

 

We usually hear about porch pirates during the holidays, when we’re ordering gifts or shipping them to loved ones across the country. Preventing stolen packages has been a growing priority for some time, and how to protect ourselves when shopping online isn’t just a seasonal concern. In fact, it might be even more important during the coronavirus pandemic as we’re making more online purchases than ever before. Staying home is a great way to protect your health. Now here are 12 tips for also protecting your personal information and packages at the same time.

Shop safely

1. Shop online with stores you know and trust, maybe ones you routinely visit in real life. If you’re not familiar with a retailer, do your research before clicking “buy.” Check their social media and reviews to get a feel for other customers’ experiences. You can also check their history with the Better Business Bureau.
   
   
2. Only provide personal information – your name, address and credit card number, for example – to secure websites. Look for the padlock icon by the address bar and make sure the site address starts with HTTPS. The “S” is a sign of the page’s security encryption.
   
   
3. It’s always good to have a secure WiFi connection, but it’s vital when shopping online and sharing financial and other sensitive info. Avoid public and other non-protected internet connections.
   
   
4. When registering with a site to make your purchase, always use strong passwords and passphrases. Use a different word or phrase with each site. If you have a hard time keeping track of all those passwords, try a manager like 1Password or Dashlane. You might also get some ideas for creating secure passwords from one of our previous blogs about smart lock security.
   
   
5. Track everything, including receipts and order or transaction numbers. This is good information to have in case something goes wrong, such as a package not being delivered or being stolen from your porch, as well as if you need to return your purchase. They can also help you remember what you did and didn’t buy so when you check your bank and credit card statements, you’ll know for sure if there are unusual charges.

Protect your packages

1. Once you have the tracking information for your order, keep a close eye on delivery status. If possible, request a delivery notification and grab the box from the porch ASAP. The less time it’s sitting out unattended, the lower the risk of it being stolen.
   
   
2. Install surveillance technology such as a video doorbell and motion-activated cameras or lights. These devices can deter some thieves. The ones who aren’t scared off will at least be caught on camera, perhaps improving the odds of you recovering your package.
   
   
3. If you can’t bring your packages in the house immediately upon delivery, consider a lock box for your porch. Prevent Package Theft offers their list of best package drop boxes.
   
   
4. In some instances, you can request a confirmation signature upon delivery. It might mean you have to wait an extra day if you aren’t home when your package arrives, but at least you’ll know it’s safe until then.
   
   
5. Include special delivery instructions indicating that your package should be placed behind a bush near your door or under some patio furniture. It will still be unattended, but at least it won’t be out in plain sight.
   
   
6. If you know you won’t be able to get to your package right away, consider having it delivered to another location like a friend’s address or UPS store. Also check if your neighborhood has a community clubhouse with a package delivery room. These are increasingly being outfitted with electronic access control for additional security.
   
   
7. Choose the Ship to Store option. If you’re still hesitant about going into a store due to COVID, simply combine it with curbside pickup. You probably won’t have to pay shipping, your order will be more secure and it’s still contactless.

Protecting your home and family is an ongoing effort, but it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. Find more security tips at the Schlage blog or share your best advice with us on Twitter.

 

You’ve worked for this moment and have earned all the opportunity and rewards coming your way in your new home. The possibilities are virtually limitless now that you’re starting to settle in. In this, the second of our two-part post on preparing your current home for sale and moving into your new one, we have outlined five steps to make the most of your move with a number of easy, DIY solutions.

Step 1: Secure

There are a number of things you should do first thing to make your new home as secure as possible.
 

• Make sure your insurance coverages and information are up to date. If you need new home, property or flood insurance, now’s the time to find out.
  
  
• Create a new, easily accessible emergency contact list, especially if you’ve moved some distance from your old home.
  
  
• Replace the batteries (if applicable) in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure all of these systems are in good working order.
  
  
• Replace fire extinguishers, making sure you have enough strategically placed so you can access them easily from all corners of the house.
  
  
• Activate the home security system if there is one installed or install a new one (a home without a security system is more than three times more likely to be broken into.)


• Change all the locks in your home, as there’s no telling how many sets of old keys are floating around out there. Options range from re-keying current locks to replacing your exterior locks with the latest keyless smart locks. Some of these can even be controlled from anywhere on your smartphone.

Step 2: Assess

Did everything arrive – and arrive intact? Is your new home clean and ready for you to move in? Is everything working as it should be?
 

• Check all appliances, boxes and furniture for moving damage and don’t hesitate to file a claim with your mover if anything is amiss.
  
  
• Clean before you unpack. This is the perfect time to deep clean, including getting vents and ductwork professionally cleaned.
  
  
• Plan where you want all your furnishings to go before you start moving things around.
  
  
• Organize drawers, closets and storage now, before you actually start packing them full.
  
  
• Check all home systems – from HVAC to electric service to utilities – to make sure everything has been hooked up, set up and is operating to your liking.

Step 3: Settle In

It’s time to unpack, unwind and start enjoying the fruits of your labor. The end is in sight. According to our friends at The Spruce, organization is the key.
 

• Determine your color scheme and decorating needs before you settle in and do as much of your painting and staining as possible before moving day.
  
  
• Develop a plan for unpacking and decide where you want things to go before you open that first box.
  
  
• Apply that same thinking to setting your furnishings, creating vignettes on your shelves and decorating.
  
  
• Unpack one room at a time, starting with the kitchen before moving on to bedrooms, bathrooms and larger, multi-use rooms (in that order).
  
  
• Make sure you’re getting your mail. This isn’t something you want to discover was overlooked a week into your new home.

Step 4: Connect

Do friends and family know where to find you (well, the ones you want to find you, anyway)? Do you know who to call should you need anything? Make a list!
 

• Don’t hesitate to ask your realtor for their list of contacts. He or she is a great resource for everything from plumbers and painters to local take-out.
  
  
• Update your own contact lists, from family and friends to those all-important emergency numbers to local services.
  
  
• Get the lay of the land. Where is the nearest good pizza? How about the nearest pharmacy? Your nearest Lowe’s or The Home Depot? Scope it out.
  
  
• Reach out to your immediate neighbors and introduce yourself if they haven’t already taken the initiative.
  

Step 5: Celebrate

It’s time to celebrate by giving yourself a well-deserved house warming party. Here’s how, from Better Homes and Gardens.

Welcome home

For people selling their home, very often the best investment is to just switch out their entryway door hardware incorporating convenience, security and curb appeal. For new home owners, however, an investment in all new door hardware, indoors and out, will continue to pay returns right up to and including when you’re in the market for your next new home.

 

From all of us at Schlage, congratulations. We’re here to help you make your new home as secure as can be with our innovative, high performance and stylish mechanical and electronic door hardware.

 

The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt are perfect for home automation and making your home smarter. These are but a few of the products Schlage offers to open possibilities for you and your new home. Share with friends and family who are looking to make a move and help open possibilities for them, too.

 

Security should always be at the top of your priority list, but that doesn’t mean it has to weigh on your mind every minute of every day. Whether whisking away on a family vacation, keeping an eye on things when your kids are home alone or simply locking up for the night, securing your home should be simple, convenient and dependable. Peace of mind is about more than keeping your family safe. It’s also about freeing you to live the life you want. Here are a few easy-to-execute ideas that will increase your home security no matter the time of day, year or phase of life.

Always: Keep tabs on the door

A strong deadbolt, whether mechanical or smart, can only do so much. If your door is weak, warped or cracked, you run the risk of uninvited “guests.” The same goes for your door frame. Sidelights, glass doors and sliding patio doors are prime opportunities for adding security as well, as they tend to be the most inadequately reinforced points in your home security.

Day: Activate smart alarms

Installing a smart alarm is a great way to receive alerts any time unusual activity is detected at home, whether you’re at work, running the carpool or out on a quick errand. You can choose for a third party to monitor your alarm for a monthly fee or avoid the fee altogether by having alerts sent directly to you. Just install motion detectors around windows and doors to trigger the alert. With coordinating cameras, you can check in to see what set off the alarm and decide if a call to your local law enforcement is needed.

Night: Light the home

A dark home can signal that you’re away. Create the illusion that the home is occupied by installing smart lighting and motion sensors that turn on and off at random intervals. Also consider outdoor lighting like porch lamps or motion-activated garage lights. A well-lit home is one of the first deterrents would-be intruders look for.

Holidays: Set up surveillance

Along with a well-lit home, visible cameras can make criminals pass your home by. You can also opt for a smart solution that includes 24/7 monitoring, allowing you to check what is going on at your home no matter where you are. Cameras work any time of year, but you might find them especially comforting during Christmas at Grandma’s or while lounging on the beach. Find more security tips for vacation time on our blog.

Lifetime: Install smart locks

Great for any time of day, smart locks can also provide peace of mind for any time of life. Install one on your own home and never wonder if the kids lost the spare key and are locked out after school. Or give one to older relatives. You can check in on them without having to carry your own spare, see via an app if they remembered to lock up even if you aren’t close by or unlock the door from anywhere in the unfortunate event emergency personnel need to access the house. To find the smart lock that’s right for you and your family, try our interactive Get Help Deciding Tool.

 

For even more on equipping a safe and secure home, check out the Home Security tips at the Schlage blog.