10 Common Home Security Mistakes & How to Fix Them [Part 2]

We’re back with 5 more home security mistakes our security experts see in the wild, and tips to correct them!

If you missed Part 1 of this post, you can read it here .

Home Security Mistake #6:  I keep my house completely dark when no one is home.

So your house looks dark and deserted when it’s empty — so what’s wrong with that? We’ve been hardwired by our parents to shut off the lights since we were old enough to reach a lightswitch.

But simply put, a house that appears abandoned can be very inviting to intruders.

Try this: Smart connected lighting .

Automated lighting can help give your home the appearance that someone is there without breaking the bank on electricity costs. Create schedules for when you want the lights to be on, right down to specific blocks of time on certain days of the week.

Or, you can set rules with triggers that tell your house when to light up. For example, when motion is detected near your front door, when your security alarm goes off, or when a certain door is open.

Home Security Mistake # 7 :  When I buy something expensive, I leave the packaging at the curb.

Just bought a shiny new flat screen TV? You’ll want that cardboard monster out of your living room as fast as possible, but be careful: Simply lugging that box to the curb tells anyone walking by that there is expensive merchandise inside.

Try this: Break the box down by carefully cutting it into sheets with a utility knife. Then arrange the pieces so onlookers can’t tell what was in it.

For important purchases, make sure the manufacturer doesn’t require original packaging to accept returns or honor the warranty. If you plan on moving or selling your old device, consider hanging on to the box for easier transportation.

Home Security Mistake #8:  I post about all my plans on social media.

Typing Petty GIF from Typing GIFs

It’s natural to think the only people following your activity on social media are friends and family. But a burglar may use information gleaned from sites like Facebook and Instagram to figure out when a house is going to be empty.

Try this: Be mindful about sharing personal information online.

First, review your privacy settings on all apps and social media accounts. Note whether your posts are public or limited to your connections, and whether you have enabled GPS or “Location Services.”

Second, avoid sharing specifics about your daily schedule and your travel plans, and consider what the pictures you share reveal your whereabouts. Yes, your pals want to see your stunning vacation pics! No, they won’t mind waiting until you get home.

Home Security Mistake #9:  I have a security system, but it doesn’t monitor fire and CO .

You made the smart choice to install a home security system — we love it! But if...