Basement Security: Windows, Doors, and General Tips

Burglars aren’t all alike. Some prefer nighttime while others operate during the day. Some target packages, while others will carefully case homes to find weak spots.

Stop your basement from being an easy target with these security tips from ADT.

Keep burglars at bay with basement windows and doors sturdy enough to withstand their attempts to break in. Consider security glass, designed to be difficult to shatter. You can also reinforce your existing basement windows and doors with affordable security film. To further reinforce windows, consider installing bars, available in a variety of looks and price points.

Glass panels aren’t the only vulnerability. Cheaply made door locks and hinges can make it easy for intruders to force their way inside. Invest in a quality basement door made from strong wood or metal. For a cheaper option, reinforce your existing door’s security with a jammer.

Don’t forget to consider your basement door lock. Strengthen your security by installing a deadbolt. Read various reviews to determine the best lock rather than opting for the cheapest.

Do you have a security system? Use branded signs to scare off potential intruders. Place decals on your basement windows and near the back door. This prevents thieves from overlooking your warning while indicating that you’ve considered your basement’s security in particular.

Bonus: Make a Habit of Locking Up

Doors are only effective security if they’re locked. We rarely remember basement doors when we “close down” the house, so create a reminder to routinely check these access points.

This is particularly true if you’ve had new acquaintances in the home. Contractors or cleaning personnel can casually leave the basement door unlocked with plans to return when you’re not present.

Don’t Let Intruders Operate Unseen

Burglars like privacy. Rob them of the coverage they seek by strategically landscaping and equipping the exterior of your home. Strategies include:

• Install outdoor security cameras with motion sensors and night vision. Even the stealthiest of thieves can’t escape a well-placed outdoor security camera. A common mistake made by homeowners is to position cameras so there are blind-spots around the sides of buildings. Don’t create security gaps near basement windows!

• Lighting the exterior of your home with motion-sensing lights. Say, who is that strange man bending down over the basement windows? Lights make it easier for you, your neighbors, and passerbyers to spot unsavory activities. For this reason, some thieves steer clear of well-lit homes in favor of ones that offer privacy.

• Don’t block the outside view basement windows. Darkness isn’t the only coverage an intruder may seek. Make sure that bushes and similar barriers don’t provide a desirable shield.

Don’t Neglect Your Garage’s Security

For many houses, the garage is another access point to the basement. Don’t make it a weak spot in your home’s security! Tips for keeping thieves out of your garage include:

• Don’t store your garage remote inside your car if parking outside
• Making sure that your garage door is in decent condition
• Placing door sensors or motion sensors to receive immediate notifications (and sound an alarm) if someone unexpectedly accesses the space
• Padlock the door when you’re going away for an extended stretch of time

Use Flood Sensors to Prevent Other Hazards

Burglars are only one risk your basement faces. Water damage is all too common, whether caused by burst pipes, blocked gutters, or improper sealing. If water buildup is left unchecked, it can damage the home’s structural integrity and cause hazardous mold.

Secure your basement from dangerous flooding with water sensors. Positioned low to the ground, they’ll send alerts to your mobile device when flood levels exceed a certain level. This enables you to immediately find solutions rather than discover the problem when it’s too late.

Secure Your Basement from Vulnerable Family Members, Too

Homeowners store a broad range of items in the basement, from gardening shears to sidewalk salt to hot water tanks. These can actually prove harmful for children, pets, and other vulnerable members of the household. Keep loved ones safe using the following:

• Locks and baby gates. Physically blocking access to dangerous items is the most effective way to protect family members. Prevent pets and little ones from entering the space with baby gates. Deter older children by padlocking cabinets or securing basement utility closets with a keyed lock.

• Motion sensors. Take your basement security one step further with motion sensors. Position these wireless sensors near the most dangerous to receive real-time updates when they’re triggered. Door sensors can serve a similar use, whether you place them on the basement entrance or cabinets.

• Eliminate the need for vulnerable family members to enter the space. It’s tempting to make the basement the catch-all solution for storage needs. However, if you store kids’ crafting supplies near cleaning chemicals, you may be inviting trouble.

Consider a Comprehensive DIY Security Solution for Your Basement and Home

Basement security doesn’t have to be hard, especially when it’s a part of a comprehensive home security system. With ADT Blu DIY home security, you can customize your system with cameras, sensors, and other security devices to help protect your home. Use the ADT+ app to monitor your front door, manage your basement's sensors, and stay connected to your home from virtually anywhere. As your needs change, you can add compatible devices to expand your ADT DIY system.