It is not necessary to spend a large amount of money to keep your family and home safe. Several much less expensive options exist to help make your home a safer place without having to spend excessively for the installation of a complete home security system.

Consider performing a self-installation of a home alarm.

You might purchase a small door-installed alarms for a cost of under $25. These are powered by cell batteries. Upon activation, the alarm will alert a homeowner to the door being opened with a loud warning signal. These are inexpensive, fairly unobtrusive, and they do the job!

Check and update the bolts and locks on your doors and windows.

Perform a complete inspection of the door and window locks on your home. For a relatively small cost, you can install additional bolts and locks to reinforce what is already in place. As long as the bolt is solid and the hinges are properly screwed in place, you will be well protected. If you have a sliding patio door without an anti-lift device, you may want to consider installing one. If your door or window has a hook lock, install two door locks – one on top and another at the bottom – to reinforce it.

For pennies a day, keeping the light on provides increased protection.

Always illuminate your porch, outside doors and garage. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money, a good investment is dusk-to-dawn lighting powered by photoelectric cells. These are energy savers and will be cheaper in the long run than electric-powered lights. Even less expensive is a solar-powered spotlight that collects the sun during daylight hours and provides light and protection during the night.

Thorny plants make it harder for an intruder to gain access to your property.

If your home and property is not enclosed by a fence or wall, plant some thorny plants and shrubs in the yard. Plants like roses, holly and hawthorn have spiny leaves and thorny stems are they provide a natural deterrent to unwanted intruder entry, because they can produce punctures and tear at the skin. They not only provide you with security, they are attractive and will add curb appeal to your yard.