This site is a practical guide to home security: how to think about protecting a home in layers, the simple upgrades that make the biggest difference, how to choose cameras and alarm systems, how to keep smart devices secure, and how to protect a home while you’re away. The articles below go into specific strategies and technology. This page is the overview.

Think in layers

Good home security isn’t one device. It’s a series of layers that make a home harder to target, harder to enter, and quicker to raise an alarm:

The perimeter: lighting, landscaping, fences and visibility from the street.
Entry points: doors, locks, windows and the garage.
Detection: alarms, sensors and cameras.
Response: alerts, monitoring, neighbors and a plan.

See assessing, protecting and monitoring your home.

Start with doors and locks

Solid doors: exterior doors should be solid-core wood, steel or fiberglass.
Deadbolts with a full one-inch throw on every exterior door.
Strike plates secured with long screws that reach the wall framing; this simple fix makes doors much harder to kick in.
Sliding doors: add a bar or pin lock in the track.
Rekey or replace locks when you move into a new home.

Don’t forget the garage

The garage is a common way into a home. Keep the garage door closed when you’re not using it, make sure the door between the garage and the house is solid and has a deadbolt, use an opener with rolling security codes, and consider a shield or zip-tie on the emergency release to make it harder to pull from outside. Don’t leave remotes visible in parked cars. See the guides to garage door repair and garage door openers.

Lighting and visibility

Motion-activated lights at entries, driveways and side yards.
Trim shrubs near windows and doors so nobody can hide there.
Keep house numbers visible so emergency responders can find you.

Budget-friendly upgrades

Longer strike plate screws and door reinforcement.
Window and door sensors that chime or alert your phone.
Timers for lights when you’re away.
A video doorbell.
Getting to know your neighbors.

See boosting home security on a budget.

Cameras and alarm systems

Options range from do-it-yourself systems you monitor on your phone to professionally installed and monitored systems. Things to compare:

Monitoring: self-monitored, or a professional service that can dispatch help.
Connection: Wi-Fi, cellular backup, and battery backup for power outages.
Camera features: resolution, night vision, field of view, and where video is stored.
Contracts and fees: equipment costs, monthly fees and contract length.
Privacy: point cameras at your own property, not neighbors’ windows.

If you hire an installer, check licensing and certifications. See hiring certified security professionals, advanced security technology and integrating security systems.

Keep smart devices secure

Change default passwords on cameras, routers and smart locks.
Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
Keep device firmware and apps updated.
Put smart home devices on a separate guest network if your router allows it.

When you’re away

Pause or forward mail and packages, or ask a neighbor to collect them.
Use light timers and leave a car in the driveway if possible.
Don’t announce travel plans publicly on social media until you’re home.
Unplug the garage door opener or use its vacation lock mode.
Give a trusted neighbor a way to reach you.

Security for renters

Renters can’t always change locks or drill holes, but there’s still a lot you can do. Ask the landlord whether locks were rekeyed after the last tenant. Use portable door security bars, window and door sensors that stick on, and battery-powered cameras or doorbells that don’t require wiring. Renter’s insurance covers your belongings, and many policies are inexpensive. Get any changes to locks or alarm systems approved in writing.

Safety beyond break-ins

Security also means protection from fire and other hazards. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly, keep fire extinguishers accessible, and make a family emergency plan. The National Fire Protection Association and Ready.gov have practical guidance, and the National Crime Prevention Council offers neighborhood safety resources. See comprehensive risk management for your home.

Related guides cover home repair and maintenance and garage door repair in Tucson. For the basics in one place, see the complete guide to home security. The newest articles on this site are listed below.