Hardware and Software to Keep Your Front Door Secure

If you've noticed a recent spate of burglaries in your neighborhood, you may realize your home doesn't have the amount of security needed to keep you and your family safe at all times. And because your front door is typically the main entrance to your home, controlling access through the front door is top priority whenever you decide to improve your home's security.

Here are some top hardware and software elements to secure your front door.

Peephole or Doorbell Camera

A peephole, which typically uses a fish-eye lens to let you view whoever is standing outside your door, helps protect you from surprises. You can even check who's knocking and then decide not to open the door if you decide doing so is a security risk.

A doorbell camera can help you take it a whole step further. For instance, a doorbell camera can let you check who's at the front door even from another room. And it can provide footage of anyone who comes to your door even while you're away from home. So if someone tries to break in, it can function as a security camera.

One final benefit of this type of camera is that a visible security camera outside your door is often a psychological deterrent to crimes. So someone who might be considering vandalism or breaking and entering may change their minds if they see they're on camera. And if they do commit a crime (such as taking a package delivered to your door), you'll have evidence.

Chain Locks or Speaker System

A chain lock allows you to open your door and speak with someone face-to-face, yet still have protection so they can't force their way inside. This can allow you to carry on a conversation, hear what the visitor has to say for themselves, and decide whether or not you're going to let them in.

A speaker may be an even safer way to do this, since it doesn't involve opening the door at all. Some doorbell cameras come with a speaker system, or you can have one installed independently. The idea of these speakers is that you use an intercom-like system to talk to the person at the door while you're still safely inside the house with the door shut and locked.

Smart Door Locks

Smart home systems provide many benefits that transfer well to increasing security. For example, being able to adjust your AC or turn on your garden sprinklers remotely may be convenient. But being able to see in real time when someone tries to enter your front door, even when you're not at home, can be a real security improvement.

Another possible feature for smart locks is that you can have different unlocking codes for different people, meaning you can tell who came home at what time. And although smart locks can be hacked, you can combine a smart locking system with other door locks (such as a physical deadbolt) that can't be hacked.

Burglar Sensors and Alarm System

Every home should have an alarm system that includes sensors on the front door, since it's one of the top places burglars will try to enter during a break-in. But not all alarm systems are the same; the features, installation, and monitoring of an alarm system can vary widely based on the company and system you choose.

Coastal Burglar Alarm can help improve your home security with our security systems, camera systems, home automation, and more. To learn how we can help your home's automation and security measures work together for a more convenient, comfortable, and secure home, give us a call today.