How to update your home security and safety

Home security used to feel like a complicated mix of hardwiring, bulky equipment and specialist installation, but that’s no longer the case. Gavin Aitken, buyer for security hardware at Bunnings, says safety products are now simpler to install, easier to live with and more intuitive, and this is encouraging more people to upgrade. From motion-sensor lighting to app-connected doorbells that let you see who is on your doorstep, today’s options are designed to slot into everyday life without fuss.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

At a glance: How to update your home security and safety

• Use video cameras to monitor driveways, garages, back doors and any side access to your home and secure them where they aren’t visible.
• Store valuables and essential paperwork in a safe.
• Traditional deterrents like gates and locks are still essential.
• Consider security doors and screens for older residents or people living alone, as well as reinforcement aids like grab rails and non-slip tiles.
• Make the most of indoor and outdoor lighting.

How to use security cameras at home

“Video doorbells are often the first entry point,” says Gavin Aitken. “They give you visibility at the front door and a sense of control.” From there, it’s about covering vulnerable approaches. As well as the front door, Nick Nigro of Reolink Australasia, advises monitoring side- and rear-access points, driveways and garages.

Security cameras are most effective as part of a layered approach, adds Nick. “They are designed to complement, not replace, traditional security measures. Secure locks, gates and sensor lighting remain important deterrents,” he says.

It’s not just how many cameras you install, but where you put them, says builder James Mott of OneBuild Construction Group. “Avoid blind spots and obstructions,” advises James. “Before settling on a position, check the camera will pick up all angles. Install them out of reach – under eaves, on fascia boards or the top of walls.”

For renters, flexibility is key. “Battery-powered cameras are ideal,” says Nick. “They don’t require permanent wiring and can be removed and reconnected if you move.”

Use a safe to store valuables

For the protection of valuables, a properly installed safe is hard to beat. But when buying one, James recommends homeowners should think about size – the most common mistake people make is choosing a safe that’s too small. Allowing a little extra capacity from the outset can save you the hassle of replacing it later.

For the protection of valuables, a properly installed safe is hard to beat. It’s important to position the safe somewhere discreet and to secure it properly – into solid framing or concrete – so it can’t simply be carried away. And, if you’re storing important paperwork, consider a fire-rated model.

Safer living

Home safety and security isn’t only about protecting against intruders. For many households, including those with older residents or people living alone, it’s about being able to navigate the home confidently. James says ageing-in-place features are more common among his company’s elderly clients. “Grab rails, anti-slip stair treads, better lighting, security doors and screens are upgrades that deliver strong impact for the cost,” he says.

Non-slip tiles in wet areas, well-lit staircases and clearly defined outdoor paths all reduce fall risk without major structural changes. If you’re renovating a bathroom, installing reinforcement noggins behind tiles can allow grab rails to be added at a later date. It’s a small and inexpensive step during construction that can make a big difference down the track.

How lights can help your home feel safer

Lighting plays a vital role in both safety and security around the home, says Gavin. Think about:

• Exterior lights improve visibility at night, discourage unwanted visitors and help lessen the chance of trips and falls.
• Path lights or subtle step lights along deck stairs, entry steps or garden paths can help define changes in levels and provide clearing footing at night, while lighting around entrances and driveways gives an extra level of security.
• Motion-sensor lights on the exterior is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make when building or renovating, adds Gavin. “They are a simple but effective way to make your home feel safer and more functional after dark,” he says. And as they only switch on when movement is detected, they’re also energy-efficient.

Keep in mind...

• Any hardwired electrical fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician.
• Make sure any lighting used outside is suitable for outdoors.
• Ensure grab rails are recommended diameters, installed at correct angles and distances (such as from the floor, toilet and wall) and securely anchored with fixings suitable for your type of wall.

Want a home security project to do this weekend?

Check out our article on how to add outdoor security lights.

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Photo credit: Gainsborough, Alex Reinders, Click.