January 19, 2015

Top Tips for Keeping your Garage Safe

8 tips for securing your garage

Used for storage and as an entrance to your home, your garage may be an area that is more susceptible to break-ins. Many homeowners keep valuable tools, vehicles, motorcycles and other expensive equipment in their garages, making it a target for burglars. And once in the garage, a thief may not only have easy access to the rest of your home, but also have the privacy to do so.

Protecting your home is important. Even in nice, safe neighborhoods, taking the time to secure your garage can avoid a potential break-in. Reduce the chances of becoming a victim by following our top tips for keeping your garage safe.

Close and lock your garage door

Get in the habit of always keeping your garage door closed and locked, even if you are home. This prevents passersby from seeing any valuables that are stored in your garage. It also reduces the chance of forgetting to lock your door when going out. If you have an attached garage, you should always keep the door leading into your home locked as well. Consider having a dead-bolt installed for additional safety. Don’t forget to close and lock any garage windows, even if they seem hard to reach.

Keep the lights on

Burglars look for dimly-lit areas to hide them from getting caught breaking into a home. Reduce the temptation by installing good outdoor lighting around your home and garage. Motion-detecting lights are a good choice as they will automatically go on if someone approaches, scaring a would-be burglar away. Since motion-activated lights turn on infrequently, they are a great choice for energy conservation as well.

A brightly lit home can deter a potential thief by adding an extra level of security. As an added bonus, adding pot lights or outdoor sconces also adds value and beauty to your home.

Cover up garage windows

Consider adding blinds or curtains to your garage windows. By making it difficult for others to see what is in your garage, you help reduce the interest for a forced entry. A sheer or light filtering fabric is usually enough to prevent the contents from being visible while still allowing you some natural light.

Have a strong, secure garage door

Make sure your garage door is in good condition and made of quality materials. Potential burglars must not be able to break the door to get into your garage. Your door needs to be a strong, secure barrier between the inside and outside of your home.

There are options when it comes to garage door materials. If you are looking for beauty as well as strength, a door made of 1 ¾”‑thick galvanized steel injected with a polyurethane core is a good choice. A few beautiful choices include the Eastman, a carriage house-style garage door or the Cambridge, our classic or elongated a raised panel garage door.

For added security when storing valuable tools, equipment or machinery, opt for a windowless door made of solid steel. The G‑2020 series are commercial garage doors made with 23‑gauge steel and have reinforced plates around the handles and hinges to make them more resistant.

Add an alarm system

An alarm system is a great way to deter thieves. A door sensor alarm can be installed to sound when your garage door is opened, giving potential intruders quite a surprise. Another type of alarm currently on the market is a remote door sensor that sends a signal to an offsite receiver or monitor if your door is opened. This silent alarm alerts your security system company that someone has accessed your garage.

Garage door openers can also be equipped with security features. Options include a self-closing mechanism and being notified when your door is activated. Some openers can now be accessed with smartphone apps. These apps let you close or open your door, using the Internet!

Protect your security code

Keeping you security code private is key to keeping your garage safe. Do not keep the code written down where it could be found, such as near your garage door, in your mailbox or in your car. Do not give out your security code to anyone and hide the keypad when you enter the numbers. It is also recommended that you change your security code on a regular basis in order to better protect yourself.

Hide your remote control in your car

Do not leave the remote for your garage door opener clipped to your sun visor. Hide it in the glove compartment or another concealed storage spot in your car. If someone breaks into your vehicle and find your registration papers, and therefore your address, it would be easy for them to use the remote to enter your home.

Keep your keys on you

Keep your garage and house keys on you when you are not home instead of leaving them in your car. If you use a remote to open your garage door, opt for a keychain model that can be kept in your pocket or purse. There have been many reported cases of a car being broken into, only to have the thieves also steal the extra set of keys. They can then proceed to quickly break into your home or garage before you have the chance to change your locks.

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