Most garages secure more than just vehicles behind their doors. They often hold untold amounts of seasonal, valuable, or treasured belongings tucked away for another day. Unfortunately, the modern-day burglar is clever.
The internet is full of video evidence of the lengths some burglars will go to try and make off with your prized possessions. They don’t even need any fancy tools to get the job done.
Standard garage door hardware includes an emergency failsafe cord that will allow you to manually open the door in the event of an emergency. The latch for this cord can be reached and manipulated from the top of the door with a small block of wood and a coat hanger.
After that, it’s open season on everything in your garage, including the real prize: the access door into your home and your family.
Here are a few garage door access tips and safety enhancements that can help you avoid intrusion, secure your possessions, and protect your home.
“If you don’t have an electric garage door system at all, this is one of the most effective solutions to increase garage door security. Not only is it more secure, it offers the convenience of easy, effortless access for you on a daily basis.”
Source: Pexels.com
Secure the Emergency Access
You can make the criminal’s job much harder or even impossible by securing the latch that activates your emergency, manual-open function. You can use a zip tie from any hardware store that is easily broken from inside in an emergency or install a small steel plate screwed to the belt itself.
Install a Whole-House Security System
With the advancement of video and camera technology has come the increased accessibility of affordable home security options.
Install a home security system that will allow you to have a 360-degree view of your home:
- Complete exterior
- Both front and back yards
- Any garage access points
- Inside the garage, if possible
Don’t forget to trim any landscaping or move any pieces of outdoor furniture that would allow any suspicious activity to be hidden from the view of the cameras.
Replace Standard Exterior and Interior Garage Lighting with Motion-Activated Lights
Nothing is more surprising than a sudden flood of light in the darkness. Many burglars would be deterred simply by having their presence suddenly illuminated and being faced with the possibility of discovery.
Motion-activated lights inside the garage would have a similar but even stronger effect, giving the illusion that someone else may be around to catch them in the act.
Cover or Frost Garage Windows
If burglars aren’t able to see and confirm that what’s in your garage is worth the effort, they may not try to enter at all. There are simple and affordable frost or film solutions available to cover your windows from inside the garage to obscure the view from outside. Blinds or curtains would be equally effective.
Secure the Interior Access Door
You should think of this door as an exterior door and treat it as such. Install sturdy door locks and swing bar guards, and make sure this door has a peephole. With adequate lighting in your garage, you may be able to safely peek at any potential criminal activity.
Install Garage Door Opener for Added Security
If you don’t have an electric garage door system at all, this is one of the most effective solutions to increase garage door security. If the criminal doesn’t have the remote, they will be hard-pressed to make access without causing a scene or significant damage.
A garage door opener is not only more secure, but it offers the convenience of easy, effortless access for you on a daily basis. At Austin’s Greater Garage Doors, we recommend LiftMaster openers, which have smartphone capabilities for ultimate handheld control.
We’ve been in the garage door service, installation, and maintenance business for more than 15 years, making the surrounding areas of Austin, Lakeway, and Round Rock safer one garage door at a time. Save the frustration of a DIY solution and go with the option that will do the job the best and for years to come.
Garage Door Remote Storage
One incredibly easy answer to increase garage door security is to NOT store the garage door remote in your vehicle. It seems safe, but the likelihood of someone willing to break into your garage would likely have no trouble with starting in your vehicle.
If they’re able to use the remote, this would also not trip any other security measures such as an alarm, depending on what security arrangement you have.
Lights On Inside and Make Some Noise
If you’re using energy-efficient LED bulbs, leaving a light on in your garage may deter the less-determined criminals. In the same way, keeping music or talk radio running at a low volume so as to not disturb your neighbors would imply recent or returning activity in your garage.
Consult Your Local Experts Today!
If you’re not sure which of these options would most benefit your home, reach out to our expert team at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors and we’d be happy to help you make your garage, your home, and your family a little safer.