Your garage door is more than just a convenient way to enter your home; it’s a major security point. For potential burglars, the garage is often the path of least resistance. Many of our daily habits, which seem harmless to us, can actually broadcast valuable information to someone watching your home. Certain routines can inadvertently signal you’re home alone, making you a more attractive target for a break-in. By becoming more mindful of these simple actions, you can significantly enhance your personal and home security.
Are you guilty of any of these six common garage door habits?
1. Leaving the Garage Door Open for “Just a Minute”
We’ve all done it. You run inside to grab something you forgot, leaving the garage door wide open because you’ll be “right back.” But that minute is all it takes for a thief to slip inside unnoticed. An open garage door is a literal invitation, not only giving someone access to your garage but also providing them with a perfect hiding spot until they can gain access to the rest of your home. Always close the garage door completely, even if you’re just stepping inside for a moment.
2. Keeping the Interior Garage Door Unlocked
Many people treat their garage as part of their home’s secure perimeter, but it shouldn’t be. They meticulously lock their front door but leave the door connecting the garage to the house unlocked. If a burglar gains access to your garage, an unlocked interior door gives them free rein of your entire house. Treat this door with the same security as your front door: install a deadbolt and keep it locked at all times.
3. Using a Predictable Keypad Code
A garage door keypad is convenient, but its security is only as good as the code you choose. Using obvious combinations like your house number, your birth year, or a simple sequence like 1-2-3-4 makes it easy for someone to guess their way in. An observant criminal might even be able to figure out your code by looking at the smudges or wear patterns on the most frequently used numbers. Choose a random code and clean the keypad periodically.
4. Leaving the Remote in a Car Parked Outside
Your garage door remote is essentially a key to your house. Leaving it clipped to the visor of a car parked in the driveway is a common and dangerous mistake. It’s one of the first places a thief will look after breaking into your car. In seconds, they can gain access to your garage and, potentially, your home. Always take the garage door remote inside with you, or better yet, switch to a keychain remote or a smartphone app.
5. Ignoring Strange Noises or Malfunctions
Is your garage door making grinding noises, struggling to open, or reversing unexpectedly? These aren’t just annoyances; they can be signs of a security vulnerability. A malfunctioning door may not close and lock properly, leaving a gap for a burglar to exploit or forcing the door open. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your garage door opener but also ensures its security features are working correctly.
6. Having a Garage Door Without Modern Security Features
Older garage door openers can be a significant security risk. Some models made before 1993 use a fixed code system that can be easily scanned and duplicated by tech-savvy criminals. Modern openers use a “rolling code” technology that changes the access code every time you use the remote, making it nearly impossible to clone. If your opener is decades old, upgrading is a smart investment in your home’s security and can help signal you’re home alone less obviously.
Make Your Garage a Fortress, Not an Invitation
Your daily habits play a huge role in your home’s security. By breaking these common garage door habits, you can stop sending signals that you’re home alone or that your house is an easy target. A few small changes in your routine can make a big difference in deterring potential intruders and giving you greater peace of mind.
What simple security habit do you think most people overlook at home?
Read more:
8 “Innocent” Behaviors That Tell Strangers You’re Home Alone
Living Alone? Security Experts Say to Turn Off This One Smart Home Setting Immediately
The post 6 Garage Door Habits That Signal You’re Home Alone appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
