With two and a half years of COVID behind us, an estimated 60% of workers (whose jobs can be done remotely) are still working from home “all or most of the time.” This number is up significantly from the 23% who say they did so before the coronavirus outbreak. Even though it appears that those of us who work remotely have a lot of company, it still makes sense to create a safe and secure workplace at home.
We’ve put together a list of home safety tips you can follow to give yourself peace of mind while working from home alone.
Keep Your Doors Locked
Improbable as it sounds, more burglaries and home invasions occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. than the other twelve hours of the day—17% more likely, according to one study. That’s why one of the simplest and most effective things you can do is to keep your doors locked at all times.
Ask for Identification
We all think we’re too savvy to ever allow a stranger into our house, but there are imposters out there who are surprisingly convincing—especially when they’re wearing a name tag or “uniform.” These official trappings are easy to fake, so whether your uninvited visitor is purporting to be from a utility company or even someone from law enforcement, make sure they show you proof of ID before you even open the door.
Check Your Windows After Contractor Visits
Did you just have new windows installed? Was a window-washing service part of your spring-cleaning regimen? Check your windows carefully after the work is done. Whether a window was left open or unlocked accidentally, it’s still an easy way for intruders to enter—so make sure you’re buttoned up.
Reinforce Your First-floor Windows
Speaking of windows, those on the first floor are among the most common points of entry into a property. Adding window security bars can act as an effective deterrent.
Clamp Your Garage Door Shut From the Inside
Installing a C-clamp and tightening it on the track next to your garage door roller will keep anyone from opening it from the outside, providing extra security and peace of mind.
Install Security Hinge Pins on Your Front Door
Replacing at least one of the screws in each of the hinges on your front door with longer ones is an unexpected but highly effective way to add an extra layer of security when you’re working at home. Simply switching out the screws with ones that are at least 3 inches long will allow them to go past the door frame and into the studs, making it extremely hard to break in.
Safeguard Your Sliding Doors
Buy an adjustable door security bar or cut a length of pipe so it fits the middle bottom track of the door slide exactly. This makes it impossible for an intruder or burglar to enter through this vulnerable area.
Rethink the Glass Panels
While you may have chosen that glass-paneled front door for its design impact, think again—this time with an eye toward improved security while working at home. It’s fast and easy for a burglar or intruder to break them, reach in, and open the door from the inside. Give yourself more privacy and an extra measure of security with glass film products from a reputable dealer.
Does your space pose any security risks? If you have adapted a work from home schedule, it’s wise to use the same security measures you’d use if you were going out of town. Do a walk-through, apply these home safety tips, and take the steps you need to take to make yourself safer and more secure while working!
