Home Security: Why is it important?

Home security is an important measure that should be taken seriously by everyone, including military families who may face unique security challenges. This can help you protect yourself, your loved ones, and valuable possessions from potential threats such as burglars, vandals, or other criminals.

There are several steps that can be taken to keep your home safe. First and foremost, securing all doors and windows with sturdy locks is essential. It is also wise to install a deadbolt and consider adding security bars or window locks if necessary. Investing in a home security system is another excellent option. There is a wide range of security systems available, including DIY systems and professionally monitored systems that offer 24/7 protection.

Additional tips for security include: 

• Avoid oversharing: Don’t tell everyone your member is being deployed. Don’t make public posts about your member being away or being alone during deployment. This could make you a target. 
• Know who’s around you: Be familiar with neighbors, who is safe, and who may not be. Also, be familiar with your neighborhood and where your local public safety, police, fire, and emergency responders are located. 
• Keep your landscaping neat: This will prevent providing a hiding place for someone who would be interested in breaking in or catching you off guard.
• Don’t tell people when you aren’t home: Don’t broadcast when you are away from home, especially for long periods like vacations, long trips, or periods that could leave your home unprotected.
• Talk to your children and teens about when it is safe and unsafe to talk to other people about deployments and trips away from home. Also, discuss home and internet security to ensure they don’t overshare with friends or strangers who could put your security at risk. 

Military families face additional security risks due to extended absences of service members and the sensitive nature of their personal information. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to safeguard personal information and maintain personal safety. This includes being mindful of what you share on social media and adjusting privacy settings to restrict who can view posts. Strengthening online security by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for all online accounts is also recommended.

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, home security is a crucial consideration. It is particularly relevant for military families who face unique security challenges. By taking steps to secure your home and personal information, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe and secure!

This article is sponsored by the Armed Forces Insurance Foundation. Since 1887, Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) has existed with a single, unwavering purpose: To protect the people who protect our nation. Providing military members insurance for home, renters, auto, and much more. Created by former military leaders, AFI understands the challenges that military members face. Proudly serving active, retired, and former military members and their families for over 135 years. Click here to receive a quote today! Let AFI’s dedicated agents shop our network of national carriers to find the best value and options to fit your needs.

Written by Brandy Hall, MSN, RN. Brandy Hall, Nurse Writer, turned a passion for patient teaching into content writing. She teams up with health and wellness providers to improve patient health and relationships. By creating easy-to-understand patient education content, she helps patients understand their health without complex terms and jargon. Now she explores the world through creativity and adventure as a mom and military spouse.