Quiz: Do You Know How Secure Your Home Really Is?

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Home security is always evolving. While most people understand the importance of locking their doors and windows before leaving home, the advent of smart locks, affordable security cameras, and a wealth of new professionally monitored systems have changed the landscape over the past few decades. It’s now easy for homes on every budget to safeguard their property — but it’s also created a whole new world of home security that requires you to rethink what’s needed to keep your home safe.

There are a lot of moving pieces to keep track of with home security, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive quiz on the subject. Whether you think you’re a home security expert or just dipping your toes into the water, here are some questions for you to consider. There are a lot of blindspots with home security systems, and this quiz will help you detect any areas that may be lacking in your knowledge.

If you do well, you know you’re on the right track to keeping your property protected. If your score is a bit low, consider reading up on the best home security tips to be better protected from would-be criminals.

Instructions: Tally up your points after taking this quiz (one point per correct answer), then see how well you fared.  

Home Security Quiz

Question 1: What is a professionally monitored security system?

Question 2: Which of the following is the best at deterring criminals?

Question 3: How can you stop a burglar from picking the lock on your front door?

Question 4: How many security cameras do you need on your property?

Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of smart light bulbs?

Question 6: Which of the following is the worst place to hide a spare key?

Question 7: What benefit is offered by a video doorbell?

Question 8: Which product is typically included with a comprehensive home security system?

Question 9: Which of the following will NOT improve the security of your yard?

Question 10: Which factor is the least important when purchasing a security camera?

Question 11: Should you leave your porch light on at night?

Question 12: Which of the following is the best way to improve your window security?

Question 13: A four-sided containment fence with an alarm is one of the best ways to secure your backyard pool.

Question 14: Which of the following is a good way to secure your home before going on vacation?

Question 15: If you own a summer home, what is the first thing you should do upon arrival?

Quiz Answers

Use the answers below to tally up your score and know if you’re a home security expert!

15 points: Expert—You know how to protect your home and your family.

10 to 14 points: Excellent—You may not know the ins and outs of home security, but you know how to deter potential intruders.

6 to 9 points: Good enough—You’re less aware of the latest home security technology developments, but with a little catching up, you can protect your house.

0 to 5 points: Better luck next time—There’s a lot you may not know about home security, but you’re in the right place to get to know the basics of protecting your house.

Question 1: What is a professionally monitored security system?

A professionally monitored security system is monitored by a professional dispatch team. When the system is armed, they’ll instantly receive all alerts and respond to them accordingly. Specifics vary by company, but they can usually contact the local authorities faster than an unmonitored system, making this a great choice for home security. Consider upgrading to professional monitoring to instantly improve your home safety.

Question 2: Which of the following is the best at deterring criminals?

D: Placing security cameras around the perimeter of your yard.

While both B and C might deter some criminals, placing working security cameras around the perimeter of the yard is the best way to deter burglars. Nothing is foolproof, but few criminals want to be caught on camera, so if they notice a robust network of cameras monitoring them, they’ll realize there’s no easy way to get into the home without getting caught. Keep in mind that security signs might deter crime, so it doesn’t hurt to add them to a home, but they’re not as useful as a comprehensive network of security cameras.

Question 3: How can you stop a burglar from picking the lock on your front door?

Anyone concerned about having their locks picked can simply upgrade to a keyless smart lock. These gadgets don’t use a physical key, instead relying on a keypad, smartphone app, or other digital-based activation method. This means there’s no keyhole for burglars to pick. Homes with these types of locks can only be accessed by someone with the passcode or access to the mobile smartphone app. Using foil is arguably the worst option, as there’s no evidence that shows you can stop a burglar with foil around the doorknob. Keep in mind that criminals are always coming up with unique ways to enter a property (such as lock crunching), so a security camera is a great addition to a smart lock.

Question 4: How many security cameras do you need on your property?

This one is (hopefully) obvious. Each home is unique, meaning there’s no foolproof number of cameras to install. Most shoppers will want to have enough exterior security cameras to cover all entrances to the property as well as enough interior cameras to cover heavily trafficked hallways and rooms with value items. Regardless of how many cameras are on the property, it’s imperative users keep up with security system maintenance to ensure they’re working properly throughout the year.

Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of smart light bulbs?

Smart light bulbs can’t detect motion, but most smart floodlights can. Smart light bulbs are typically used to replace traditional light bulbs in lamps and indoor light fixtures. These can then be programmed to turn on and off while on vacation, confusing burglars into thinking someone is still home. Meanwhile, smart floodlights are used outside the property and turn on a light when motion is detected. Properties should install both types of products for superior protection—but it’s important to understand their differences before making a purchase.

Question 6: Which of the following is the worst place to hide a spare key?

Hiding a spare key is a good way to prevent lockouts, but placing it under a doormat is an invatation to burglars. This location is incredibly easy to uncover. Not only do many criminals check here first for a key, but heavy winds or inclement weather can expose the key. Instead, consider using a lockbox to better secure the spare key.

Question 7: What benefit is offered by a video doorbell?

Video doorbells are highly versatile gadgets that are great for home security. Not only do they send alerts when motion is detected, but they’ll also record the event for future reference. They come with heaps of customization options, allowing users to set motion zones or restrict areas that may trigger false alarms (such as nearby roads or a neighbor’s property).

Question 8: Which product is typically included with a comprehensive home security system?

A comprehensive home security system is just that — comprehensive. That means these systems should include security cameras, entry sensors, and motion detectors. When working together, these make it nearly impossible for an intruder to go undetected. For more information on what to look for in a home security camera system, be sure to check out our extensive guide.

Question 9: Which of the following will NOT improve the security of your yard?

While all of the above will add a bit of protection to the home, adding entry sensors to windows will only protect the inside of the home, not its yard. The best way to protect the outside of the home is by installing a floodlight with motion detection and ensuring there’s no debris for burglars to hide behind. Adding a security sign to the yard can also be used to scare away criminals, though it’s not a foolproof option.

Question 10: Which factor is the least important when purchasing a security camera?

While all of these factors are worth considering, the brand of security cameras is arguably the least important. As long as it’s from a reputable company like Wyze, Arlo, or Ring, there’s no need to worry too much about the logo on the side of the camera. However, factors like video quality, night vision, and the type of power source can have serious impacts on how well it works with your home.

Question 11: Should you leave your porch light on at night?

While leaving a porch light on at night is a good way to let potential burglars know someone is home, leaving it on for days at a time while on vacation can signal that the home is vacant. In other words, it’s important to consider how the home will be viewed to passerbys before determining if the porch light should stay on or be turned off.

Question 12: Which of the following is the best way to improve your window security?

While adding a security sticker to your window might help deter criminals, the best option of the four choices is to install glass-break and entry sensors. These will trigger an alarm if the window is open or if the glass shatters, creating an alert that makes for excellent burglar-proof windows.

Question 13: A four-sided containment fence with an alarm is one of the best ways to secure your backyard pool.

If pets or young children are in the home, a containment fence with an alarm is the quickest and safest way to prevent accidents. These work to keep children out of the water when the pool isn’t supervised—and it’ll sound an alarm if the gate is opened when it shouldn’t be. There are plenty of other pool safety tips to follow, though a containment fence is a great first step.

Question 14: Which of the following is a good way to secure your home before going on vacation?

The key to keeping a home safe while on vacation or while away for the holidays is to make sure it looks like someone is still on the property. Installing smart light bulbs is an easy way to do this, as they allow you to create timers that automatically toggle lights on and off to simulate the appearance of a lively household.

Question 15: If you own a summer home, what is the first thing you should do upon arrival?

Since a summer home has likely gone months without supervision, it’s imperative to check all door and window locks. If any are damaged, it’s possible an intruder broke into the property while it was vacant. This allows you to contact the authorities and begin an investigation without possibly walking over any evidence. Installing one of the best home security systems can mitigate this risk.

 

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