If you’re like the average homeowner, you most likely use your garage for storage. Some of the things you store in your garage may be valuable, like bicycles, tools, lawn equipment, and of course, your vehicles. Naturally, you’ll want to ensure that all of these items remain secure.
Your home’s garage can be an important entry and exit point—for you and for thieves. Regardless of how safe your neighborhood is, it’s always a good idea to make your garage harder to break into. Performing regular garage door maintenance can extend the life of your door as well as help to keep it secure, but it’s also important to take some additional security measures.
First, let’s talk about what NOT to do when it comes to garage safety and security:
1. Don't leave your garage door open.
Whether you’re home or not, it’s never a good idea to leave your garage door wide open. If you aren’t within view of the garage while it’s open, you’re practically inviting someone to sneak in and out. This type of thing can happen at any time, even in the afternoon!
With MyQ technology by LiftMaster, ensuring your property is secure and your family is safe is easier than ever. MyQ technology gives homeowners the capability to close their garage door right from an app—no matter your distance from home! This technology also allows homeowners to schedule their garage door to close and to turn garage lights off at a specific time. The MyQ system will also alert you whenever your door has been left open so no matter the issue, MyQ technology has you covered.
2. Don’t keep your garage door remote in your car.
Whether it’s in a center console or clipped to a sun visor, inside a vehicle is one of the most common places for people to keep their garage door remotes. It makes sense, since it allows easy access in and out of your garage without having to get out of your car. However, this is also one of the most common ways burglars can break into a garage or home.
If you do end up leaving the remote in your vehicle, keep it out of sight and your car locked whenever you aren’t in it. At night, or at other times when you’re at home for long periods, keep the remote inside the home in a cupboard, purse, or bag, or get a keychain remote to keep with your keys.
3. Don’t leave your doors unlocked.
Locking the door that leads from your garage into your home may seem unnecessary, but this is actually a common way for people to come into homes uninvited. Make sure you lock this door as well as any door leading to the outside of the garage before you leave your home for the day, upon your return, and when you go to bed at night.
Now that we know what not to do, we can learn what TO do to proactively prevent a burglary.
4. Do install a security system.
Placing motion sensor lights outside your home and around your garage door can be a great, easy way to scare off potential burglars. Consider security cameras as an added defense around your property. We also recommend adding a deadlock to your garage door. Thieves can use a wire hanger to get through the top of the door and pull the emergency handle from the outside in just seconds. Using a deadlock on your garage door track to lock the door in place will make it almost impossible to open. Another solution is to simply use a zip tie to fasten the emergency release valve to the track of the garage door.
5. Do darken the garage windows.
While windows on your garage door look great, increase curb appeal, and allow some natural light in your garage, they also provide a peek into your garage to see what valuables you may keep in there. Consider getting the windows frosted, darken, or get colored glass. Better yet, forgo the windows altogether when purchasing or replacing your garage door.
6. Do keep up on garage door maintenance.
If your garage door is broken, damaged, or just old, it makes your garage an easier target. Perform regular maintenance and keep up on necessary repairs before they turn into problems. This will help keep your home as secure as possible.
Do you need help making your garage and home more secure? Your local garage door experts can provide advice on the latest garage door safety features and security options to suit a variety of budgets.
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